Macklemore Blames Stadium Owners for Removal from Sheeran Tour

Key points

• Macklemore was dropped from eight of the ten remaining U.S. dates of Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour after his September 4 performance at MetLife Stadium.
• Macklemore claims Robert Kraft, owner of Gillette Stadium, rallied other stadium owners to refuse hosting the tour if Macklemore remained on the bill.
• The concert promoter, Messina Touring Group, stated that venues would not allow a concert with Macklemore, leading to the cancellation of his set to protect the tour’s viability.
• Macklemore stated that Ed Sheeran told him the words 'Free Palestine' were 'hurtful to a lot of people,' leading to a 'fundamental disconnect' between them.
• Artist Pink faced significant backlash for reposting a call for Macklemore to apologize, later clarifying that her issue was with the display of violent imagery and the dismissal of Jewish audience members, not the phrase itself.

Background

This incident follows a series of earlier reports in September 2026 detailing the immediate backlash from organizations like the Anti-Defamation League and Stop Antisemitism following Macklemore’s MetLife Stadium performance. Previous coverage noted that Macklemore had defended his remarks as a message of peace and equality, while critics labeled the performance as antisemitic. The current development marks the culmination of this controversy, resulting in the actual removal of the artist from the tour rather than just public criticism.

How outlets are covering it

Variety and NBC News emphasize Macklemore’s narrative that Robert Kraft orchestrated a boycott among stadium owners, noting that Kraft has not responded to comment requests. Axios highlights the broader context of pro-Palestine advocacy in music, noting that Macklemore is not the first artist to face backlash for such views. Rolling Stone focuses on the reaction from Pink, detailing her defense against critics who accused her of supporting censorship, while clarifying her stance on the specific imagery used during the performance. All outlets agree that the tour will continue without Macklemore, but they differ in emphasis: Variety and NBC focus on the power dynamics with Kraft, while Rolling Stone focuses on the cultural debate between artists and audience expectations.

Why it matters

The removal of a major artist from a high-profile tour due to political speech highlights the increasing intersection of politics and live entertainment. It raises questions about the power of stadium owners to influence tour logistics and the boundaries of free expression in public venues. The incident also illustrates the polarized nature of public discourse surrounding the Israel-Palestine conflict, where even neutral or apolitical artists like Ed Sheeran face pressure from multiple sides, forcing them to make difficult decisions that impact their careers and those of their collaborators.

What to watch

The Ed Sheeran Loop Tour will continue with its remaining U.S. dates, starting in Philadelphia on September 19, without Macklemore. It is unclear if other openers will be added to replace him. The lack of response from Robert Kraft and Ed Sheeran’s team suggests that the controversy may remain unresolved in the public eye, potentially leading to further debate about the role of political speech in commercial entertainment. Fans who purchased tickets for Macklemore’s set may seek refunds, though no official policy has been announced by the promoter.