Ed Sheeran-Macklemore Controversy: ‘Perfect’ Singer’s ‘Loop Tour’ Opening Acts Withdraw After Macklemore’s Removal
Ed Sheeran's 'Loop Tour' faces major disruption as Macklemore is dropped for pro-Palestine remarks. Finneas, Aaron Rowe, Lukas Graham, and Beoga withdraw in solidarity, sparking a global debate on celebrity activism and artistic freedom.
Hollywood is abuzz with a rapidly escalating controversy surrounding Ed Sheeran's ongoing 'Loop Tour'. The situation has seen rapper Macklemore dropped from the lineup and a subsequent mass withdrawal of all remaining opening acts in solidarity. Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce Wedding: Selena Gomez, Gigi Hadid, Ed Sheeran, Sabrina Carpenter, Camilla Cabello and Other Guests Arrive in NYC for 'Wedding of the Decade'.
Ed Sheeran-Macklemore Controversy Unfolds on 'Loop Tour'
The controversy ignited during the first two dates of the US leg of Ed Sheeran's 'Loop Tour' at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on September 4 and 5, 2026. Opening act Macklemore, whose real name is Ben Haggerty, used his platform to deliver impassioned pro-Palestine speeches and perform his 2024 protest anthem, "Hind's Hall".
During his sets, Macklemore declared, "Free Palestine" and stated his desire for people in Gaza and the occupied West Bank to know "we have not forgotten about them". He also explicitly clarified his message, saying, "To all of my Jewish brothers and sisters: criticism of Israel, criticism of apartheid, being against genocide in no way is a criticism of you. My message is for peace, love; for all human beings to be treated with dignity, respect and equality".
Macklemores Full Speech During Ed Sheerans Loop Tour
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The remarks swiftly drew backlash, with the Israeli American Council launching a petition demanding Macklemore's removal from the tour. Adding to the pressure, singer Pink amplified a social media post from StopAntisemitism, which accused Macklemore of "ambushing" fans with "anti-Israel propaganda".
On September 14, 2026, Messina Touring Group, the promoter for the US leg of the 'Loop Tour', confirmed that Macklemore had been dropped from the remaining dates. The promoter cited objections from venues on upcoming tour dates, stating they would not allow concerts to proceed with Macklemore on the lineup, which could result in the cancellation of the tour.
Macklemore himself revealed that billionaire Robert Kraft, owner of the New England Patriots and Gillette Stadium, was instrumental in rallying other stadium owners to issue an ultimatum to Sheeran. Kraft later confirmed his decision to bar Macklemore from Gillette Stadium, citing the rapper's "recent actions" and "a broader history of rhetoric and imagery that we believe has been deeply offensive and hurtful to the Jewish community".
Macklemore Shares Statement After Being Removed from Ed Sheerans US Tour
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Ed Sheeran responded on Instagram on September 15, 2026, asserting that Macklemore's removal was "the promoter's decision, it was not mine," and that Macklemore's contract was with the promoter. He conveyed respect for Macklemore's "strength of purpose to stand up and shout for what he believes" but indicated his own preference not to use his "professional platform for politics." Sheeran concluded by stating he is "appalled by the conflict between Israel and Palestine".
What Did Ed Sheeran Say in His Defence Amid the Controversy?
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Artists Drop Out in Solidarity, Citing Moral Imperatives
In a significant turn of events on September 15, 2026, all remaining opening acts and Sheeran's touring band announced their withdrawal from the 'Loop Tour' in solidarity with Macklemore. This includes Finneas, Irish singer Aaron Rowe, Danish band Lukas Graham, and Sheeran's live band Beoga.
Finneas, Billie Eilish's brother and collaborator, who was scheduled for the South American leg, posted, "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."
Finneas Withdarws from Ed Sheerans Tour
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Aaron Rowe, currently on the North American leg, shared a lengthy statement, drawing parallels to Irish history: "But as Irish people we know all too well about genocide, forced famine and violent occupation. I cannot stand by and allow billionaires to use their position of power to silence the rightful voices of those who speak up against Israeli genocide and who highlight the savage murder of children. I would lose all respect for myself to carry on as normal. I need to be true to myself and my ancestors who resisted colonisation, and fought for a freedom that I enjoy today in Ireland."
Lukas Graham issued a statement emphasising that "money doesn't give you the right to own the conversation" and that "It's hard to watch families in other parts of the world burying the people they love." They stressed the universal right to speak about civilian suffering.
Beoga, Sheeran's touring band, attributed their decision to the "Zionist lobby" and stated, "We are Irish people who understand colonialism. As founding members of the Irish Artists for Palestine movement, we are committed activists for justice and will continue to be."
Greta Thunberg Reacts to Ed Sheeran-Macklemore Fallout
Following Macklemore's statement, Swedish activist Greta Thunberg publicly targeted Ed Sheeran across social media, voicing her firm backing for the rapper and emphasizing the true victims of the conflict. Taking directly to his comment section, Thunberg rejected any notion that Sheeran or corporate figures were aggrieved parties.
She wrote, "Full solidarity and free Palestine. Artistes' very active silence in the face of injustice and genocide will not be forgotten." Summer Warne Claims ‘Anti-Social’ Incident at Ed Sheeran Concert; Water Poured on Shane Warne’s Daughter for Dancing.
The 'Loop Tour', which commenced on January 16, 2026, in Auckland, New Zealand, in support of Sheeran's 2025 album 'Play', is scheduled to resume its US leg on September 19, 2026, in Philadelphia, PA. With all support acts now withdrawn, the tour faces significant uncertainty regarding its future lineup as the entertainment world grapples with the intersection of art, activism, and corporate pressure.
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(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 16, 2026 02:30 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
