After being removed from Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour over pro-Palestinian remarks, rapper Macklemore—whose real name is Benjamin Haggerty—published a statement criticizing the singer’s refusal to politicize concerts. The 13-year friend of Sheeran described his friend as “in a fked up position,” noting that Sheeran’s longstanding apolitical stance was now being challenged in ways it had never faced before.
Macklemore, scheduled to open eight remaining U.S. dates on the tour, delivered political messages during performances at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium earlier this month. He told crowds: “Free Palestine,” urging Gaza and West Bank residents to know they were not forgotten. He also called for freedom in Lebanon, Cuba, Congo, and Sudan before addressing Americans: “Free all people in America living in fear over this terrorist organization ICE.” The rapper praised Columbia University students for their involvement in pro-Palestinian encampments.
“The words I said at MetLife—I’ve been saying them on stages worldwide for almost three years,” Macklemore wrote. “So why is it an issue now?” He attributed the current controversy to sharing a stage with Sheeran, one of music’s biggest artists: “If I kept doing the shows saying Free Palestine with Ed implicitly supporting it, what artist might speak out next?”
Macklemore claimed New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft intervened by barring him from Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts, where Sheeran was set to perform on September 25 and 26. Macklemore alleged Kraft rallied other stadium owners to pressure the tour promoter with an ultimatum: “Drop Macklemore or lose the venues.” Tour promoter Messina Touring Group confirmed multiple venues refused to host him, though Kraft maintained he personally barred Macklemore from Gillette Stadium while stating his decision was not intended to dismiss Palestinian suffering.
Macklemore rejected Kraft’s characterization of his statements as anti-Semitic, arguing such accusations were “weaponized” to silence criticism of Israel. He referenced a 2014 incident in which he wore a costume critics likened to an antisemitic caricature, apologizing that the resemblance was unintentional and random.
In a private conversation with Sheeran, Macklemore learned the singer expressed concern that “Free Palestine” and Palestinian flag imagery were hurtful to some individuals. The rapper countered: “If those words were more offensive than tens of thousands of Palestinian children being killed by Israel, then there was a fundamental disconnect.” He criticized Sheeran for clinging to his public stance of “I don’t take sides,” adding that “taking a side can cost you” in terms of money, sponsorships, and relationships.
Macklemore also addressed Pink’s reposted criticism of his MetLife remarks from StopAntisemitism, writing: “Sheeran is not a victim, Pink is not a victim. We have careers, money, opportunities, safety, and audiences around the world.” She later clarified she was born Jewish and does not speak for Israel, calling Hamas a terrorist organization.
Sheeran responded Tuesday that venues threatened to cancel shows if Macklemore remained on the tour but denied personally firing him, stating his music aims to provide “a place of safety and sanctuary” and that fans do not expect political forums at concerts.
Macklemore concluded: “Free Palestine. 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.”
