Ed Sheeran’s Tour in Turmoil: Macklemore Dropped, Multiple Artists Walk Out After Pro-Palestinian Statements
Ed Sheeran’s global “Loop” tour has hit unexpected turbulence. After rapper Macklemore was removed following his pro-Palestinian remarks during opening sets at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on September 4 and 5, 2026, several other artists scheduled to support the shows have withdrawn. Finneas, Aaron Rowe, Lukas Graham, and the Irish band Beoga have all stepped down, turning an artistic dispute into a wider political and media crisis.
On September 4, 2026, Macklemore opened for Ed Sheeran at MetLife Stadium. On stage, he declared his desire to say “Free Palestine,” condemned Israel’s actions in Gaza (calling them genocide), performed his protest song Hind’s Hall, and projected related images. The comments quickly drew strong reactions, including a petition from the Israeli American Council and criticism from groups such as the ADL and StopAntisemitism, as well as pressure from certain venue owners.
According to Macklemore and multiple reports, Robert Kraft (owner of the New England Patriots and Gillette Stadium) threatened to ban the rapper from his venue and reportedly encouraged other stadium operators to do the same. Promoter Messina Touring Group ultimately confirmed that Macklemore would not appear on the remaining U.S. dates, warning that several concerts could otherwise be cancelled.
Ed Sheeran responded on Instagram, stating that the decision was not his but that of the promoter and the venues. He said he had tried to negotiate a resolution and preferred not to politicize his own shows.
This explanation did not satisfy the other supporting artists. Finneas (scheduled for the South American leg) wrote: “Artists must not be silenced when they speak up for the oppressed. I have decided to withdraw from my upcoming tour dates with Ed Sheeran. I stand with Palestine and its people.” Irish singer-songwriter Aaron Rowe referenced his country’s history with occupation and colonization, saying he could not continue while billionaires used their power to silence voices speaking out. Lukas Graham and Beoga (Sheeran’s regular backing band) followed suit and also left the tour.
This cascade of withdrawals highlights how deeply the Israeli-Palestinian conflict continues to divide the entertainment industry. On one side, artists defend the right to express political views on stage. On the other, promoters and venue owners refuse to let their events become political platforms, sometimes citing concerns over antisemitism.
Ed Sheeran is attempting to keep his concerts neutral in order to protect his audience and crew. His former collaborators have chosen activism over collaboration. The episode raises a sharp question: where should the line be drawn between free expression and the commercial realities of large-scale international events?