Eight NFL stadiums reportedly rejected Macklemore as Ed Sheeran’s opener after his pro-Palestinian remarks, forcing him off remaining U.S. dates.
Rapper Macklemore has been removed as the opening act from Ed Sheeran’s remaining U.S. stadium tour dates after several major venues reportedly objected to his inclusion following a series of outspoken pro-Palestinian remarks.
The controversy intensified after Macklemore addressed the Israel-Gaza conflict during two performances at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey earlier this month. The rapper voiced support for Palestinians and said “Free Palestine” before performing his protest song “Hind’s Hall.”
According to reporting surrounding the decision, multiple stadiums told tour promoter Messina Touring Group that they would not permit Macklemore to perform, creating the possibility that some concerts could be canceled if he remained on the bill. The promoter subsequently confirmed that Macklemore would not appear at the remaining support dates.
Eight stadiums reportedly objected
Reports have identified several NFL venues among those that objected to Macklemore’s participation, including Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts; Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia; Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta; Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis; Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte; AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas; and Raymond James Stadium in Tampa.
The venues are associated with upcoming stops on Sheeran’s Loop Tour, which is scheduled to continue across major U.S. stadiums.
The promoter said the venue objections threatened the viability of the shows and could have affected hundreds of thousands of fans.
Robert Kraft becomes central to the dispute
New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, whose Kraft Group owns Gillette Stadium, has emerged as a central figure in the controversy.
Macklemore claimed that Sheeran told him Kraft had contacted the singer about his appearance at Gillette Stadium and had subsequently rallied other stadium owners. According to Macklemore’s account, the message was effectively that Sheeran could not play certain venues if the rapper remained on the tour.
Kraft has defended the decision, saying his concerns were connected to what he described as a broader history of rhetoric and imagery that he believes has been offensive and hurtful to the Jewish community.
Kraft has also been prominent in efforts combating antisemitism through his Foundation to Combat Antisemitism.
Macklemore stands by his message
Macklemore has disputed the idea that his comments were directed at Jewish people. He has argued that his criticism is aimed at the Israeli government’s actions and that supporting Palestinian rights should not be equated with antisemitism.
In a statement announcing his removal from the tour, Macklemore described the situation as a painful disagreement with Sheeran, whom he has known for years.
The rapper said losing the remaining shows would not change his position on the conflict and portrayed the controversy as evidence of the difficulty artists can face when using major platforms to address politically charged issues.
Sheeran has not publicly taken sides
Sheeran has not publicly provided a detailed explanation for Macklemore’s removal, leaving the rapper’s account of conversations with the singer and Kraft as a major part of the dispute.
The situation has also drawn reactions from other musicians and advocacy groups. Critics have accused Macklemore of using Sheeran’s concerts to promote political messaging, while supporters argue that artists should be able to use their platforms to speak about humanitarian issues.
For now, Macklemore’s role as Sheeran’s opening act has ended, with the remaining U.S. shows proceeding without him.
The dispute places a broader spotlight on the increasingly complicated intersection of concert venues, political speech, celebrity activism and the Israel-Gaza conflict, particularly when major stadium operators believe an artist’s statements could threaten an event’s ability to proceed.
