Macklemore has publicly accused Ed Sheeran of political neutrality in the Israel-Gaza conflict, following the rapper’s sudden removal from the singer’s U.S. tour dates.
The controversy erupted after Macklemore delivered a series of politically charged messages during a recent concert at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. He called for the freedom of Palestinians in Gaza and the occupied West Bank, while also urging liberation for Lebanon, Cuba, Congo, and Sudan. Macklemore added he wanted Americans “living in fear over this terrorist organization ICE” to be freed.
Macklemore, who was scheduled to open eight of Sheeran’s remaining 10 U.S. dates on the Loop Tour, said his statements were amplified by performing on a global stage with Sheeran—a platform that carries immense influence. “What I said at MetLife I have been saying on stages around the world for almost three years,” he wrote. “So why is it an issue now?”
The rift deepened when New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, who owns Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts where Sheeran was set to perform later this month, informed tour promoters that Macklemore would not be allowed to play there. Kraft stated that the rapper’s recent performances had crossed a line due to what he described as “a broader history of anti-Semitic rhetoric and imagery.” Kraft also claimed that other stadium owners had been convinced to drop Macklemore from the tour.
Sheeran confirmed the tour was being affected by the dispute, stating that venues threatened to cancel shows if Macklemore remained on the bill. However, the singer clarified that he did not personally fire Macklemore. “Macklemore coming off the tour was the promoter’s decision, it was not mine,” Sheeran wrote.
In a public statement, Macklemore criticized Sheeran for his refusal to take a political stance. He argued that artists with platforms and resources have an obligation to address issues of oppression. “There is no neutral position between the oppressor and the oppressed,” he said. “When one side has the bombs and bottomless financial and military support from America, refusing to take a side doesn’t leave you in the middle.”
Macklemore also referenced Pink, who reposted criticism of Macklemore’s MetLife remarks. He called both Sheeran and Pink “not victims” but artists with “careers, money, opportunities, safety, and audiences around the world.” Pink later clarified she is Jewish and does not speak for Israel.
The conflict has left Macklemore urging Sheeran to reconsider his stance. “I hope we both continue listening, studying what is happening in Palestine and wrestling with what neutrality means in a moment like this,” he wrote. “Free Palestine,” he concluded, adding that “if those words cost me the stage, while turning the conversation back to Palestine, then it was the most successful tour I’ve ever been on.”
