Macklemore Says “Free Palestine” Then Comes the Tour Fallout

Macklemore has been removed from the remaining US dates of Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour after making pro-Palestinian remarks during a September 4 performance at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

The rapper’s comments, including “Free Palestine,” were followed by backlash, with several venues reportedly refusing to host shows featuring him. Tour promoter Messina Touring Group confirmed that Macklemore would no longer perform on the remaining dates.

The fallout didn’t stop there. Finneas, Lukas Graham, Aaron Rowe and Sheeran’s touring band Beoga all withdrew from upcoming tour dates in solidarity with Macklemore. In their statements, the artists spoke about standing with Palestine, artistic freedom and concerns over artists being silenced for speaking out.

Sheeran later clarified that Macklemore’s removal was the decision of the promoter and venues, not his, saying he had attempted to find a resolution.

What started with “Free Palestine” on stage has now become a much wider conversation about solidarity, artistic freedom and whether artists should be silenced or face professional consequences for speaking out.

For many of the artists who have since withdrawn, the message is clear: standing in solidarity with Macklemore and Palestine matters, and so does the right to speak.