Ed Sheeran’s U.S. Loop Tour became the center of a growing controversy in September after Macklemore used his opening performances to make pro-Palestinian statements. The dispute eventually led to Macklemore’s removal from the remaining U.S. dates, the withdrawal of Sheeran’s other support acts and backing band, and Sheeran addressing the situation publicly during his Sept. 19 concert in Philadelphia.
The situation began on Sept. 4 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, where Macklemore performed as an opening act for Sheeran. During his set, he introduced “Hind’s Hall,” his 2024 song supporting Palestinians, and called for a “Free Palestine.” He repeated the message during the second New Jersey show on Sept. 5 while addressing the audience about the conflict between Israel and Palestine.
Following the performances, the Israeli-American Council launched a petition calling on Sheeran to remove Macklemore from the tour. The petition criticized Macklemore’s use of the concerts as a platform for political messaging, while Macklemore continued to defend his position publicly.
The dispute escalated after Robert Kraft, owner of the New England Patriots and Gillette Stadium, became involved. Kraft later said that Macklemore’s recent actions and material presented during the New Jersey performances were deeply offensive and hurtful to the Jewish community. Macklemore, meanwhile, said he had been told that Kraft and other stadium owners did not want him performing at their venues.
On Sept. 14, Macklemore announced that he had been removed from the remaining U.S. dates of Sheeran’s tour. He said he and Sheeran had held a series of difficult conversations and that their discussions ultimately revealed a fundamental disagreement over the issue. The tour promoter, Messina Touring Group, subsequently confirmed that venues on upcoming dates had notified the promoter that they would not allow concerts to proceed with Macklemore on the lineup.
Kraft subsequently confirmed his involvement, saying Gillette Stadium would not host Macklemore for Sheeran’s scheduled Sept. 25 and 26 concerts. Kraft cited Macklemore’s recent performances as well as what he described as a broader history of rhetoric and imagery that he believed had been offensive to Jewish people.
On Sept. 15, Sheeran issued his own statement about the controversy. He said he was appalled by the conflict between Israel and Palestine and explained that Macklemore had been given freedom to choose his set list. Sheeran said he had spoken with venues, promoters and people on different sides of the issue in an attempt to find a resolution, but that the promoter and venues ultimately made the decision to remove Macklemore.
Sheeran’s statement was followed by the withdrawal of the remaining support acts. Irish band Beoga, which had also performed with Sheeran during portions of his concerts, announced its departure in solidarity with Macklemore. Finneas, Lukas Graham and Aaron Rowe also withdrew from their scheduled performances.
Macklemore subsequently announced a $1 million commitment to Palestinian aid and challenged Kraft to match the contribution. The exchange became another part of the wider dispute surrounding the tour and the competing positions expressed by the artists and other figures involved.
Sheeran returned to the stage on Sept. 19 at Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field for his first concert since Macklemore’s removal and the withdrawal of the other performers. He began the show without an opening act and later performed with a newly assembled group of musicians.
During the Philadelphia performance, Sheeran addressed the conflict directly. He condemned the Oct. 7, 2023 attacks in Israel and described the situation in Gaza as “catastrophic and unjustifiable.” He also said he wanted his concerts to remain places where people with different views could attend together.
Sheeran also reiterated that the decision to remove Macklemore came from the tour promoter after discussions with venues. He said he had spent the preceding week attempting to find a resolution and expressed concern about artists and performances being restricted by venues.
The Loop Tour is continuing following the Philadelphia show, with Sheeran now performing without Macklemore, Beoga and the other previously announced support acts. The controversy remains tied to broader debates over freedom of expression, the Israel-Gaza conflict and the role of political statements at major concert events.
