Macklemore, known for his hit “Thrift Shop,” has been removed from Ed Sheeran’s U.S. stadium tour following his pro-Palestinian speeches and performances. The rapper was initially part of Sheeran’s shows at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey, where he displayed footage of destruction in Gaza and led “Free Palestine” chants. His actions led multiple venues to refuse hosting him, including Gillette Stadium, operated by New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft.
Kraft barred Macklemore from performing due to the rapper’s stage behavior and what Kraft described as a “broader history of anti-Semitic rhetoric and imagery.” Gillette Stadium emphasizes a welcoming environment, and Kraft shared that events should not support hate speech. He cited Macklemore’s actions and broader history as offensive to the Jewish community, which led to Macklemore’s exclusion from the tour scheduled for September 25 and 26.
The promoter, Messina Touring Group, confirmed Macklemore’s removal from all U.S. tour dates after sufficient venue operators refused his inclusion. The tour’s remaining stops were primarily slated for NFL stadiums. Previously, Macklemore faced controversy over a May 2014 Seattle performance where he wore a costume condemned as anti-Jewish caricature. He asserted it was coincidental.
Critics argue Macklemore condemns Israel while ignoring actions by Hamas, labeled a terrorist group. Kraft highlighted a need for advocacy without undermining the Jewish community or Hamas’s responsibility for violence. Kraft emphasized supporting innocent civilians alongside opposing Hamas and antisemitism should coexist.
Kraft invited a discussion with Macklemore to focus on shared goals like peace, ending suffering, and eliminating hate. Macklemore countered Kraft’s accusations in a social media post, blaming venue operators and Kraft for his removal. Acknowledging the pressure on Sheeran, Macklemore maintained his comments were not hate speech, expressing willingness to lose his tour spot for his beliefs.
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