By Kanishka Singh
Sept 15 (Reuters) – Pop star Ed Sheeran said on Tuesday that removing American rapper Macklemore from his U.S. tour was not his decision, but rather that of the tour’s promoter. Sheeran added that his own approach to politics differs from Macklemore’s.
Macklemore was dropped from Sheeran’s U.S. tour after making pro‑Palestinian comments and shouting “Free Palestine” during a September 4 concert in New Jersey.
“Macklemore coming off tour was the promoter’s decision, it was not mine,” Sheeran posted on Instagram.
Messina Touring Group, the promoter of the U.S. leg of Sheeran’s Loop Tour, told Rolling Stone that venue owners on upcoming tour dates notified the promoters they would not allow a concert to take place with Macklemore in the lineup.
Macklemore has long been pro‑Palestinian and has frequently criticized Israel’s assault on Gaza and its occupation of the West Bank.
In 2024, Macklemore released “Hind’s Hall,” a protest anthem honoring pro‑Palestinian demonstrators and commemorating five‑year‑old Palestinian girl Hind Rajab, who was killed by Israeli troops in Gaza.
Sheeran said he respects Macklemore’s “strength of purpose to stand up and shout for what he believes,” but that he chooses not to use his professional platform for politics. He noted that venues for upcoming tour dates warned they would pull the shows if Macklemore remained in the lineup.
Macklemore has received support from pro‑Palestinian advocacy groups and politicians. Pro‑Israeli groups and singer Pink, who is Jewish, have criticized him, arguing that such remarks at concerts could jeopardize the safety of Jewish and pro‑Israeli attendees.
Critics also highlighted a 2014 costume Macklemore wore, which included a black wig, beard, and a fake hooked nose, alleging it invoked antisemitic stereotypes. Macklemore later apologized for the costume.
On Monday, Macklemore denied that his concert comments were antisemitic, stating that conflating antisemitism with criticism of Israel’s actions is intended to avoid holding Israel accountable.
(Reporting by Kanishka Singh in Washington; editing by David Gaffen)