US rapper Macklemore has been removed from the remaining US dates of Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour following his vocal support for Palestinians in Gaza and the occupied West Bank. Originally slated to perform at eight of the ten remaining US concerts on Sheeran’s stadium tour, Macklemore’s participation was halted after several venues refused to host shows with him on the lineup.

Messina Touring Group, the tour promoter, announced that after consultations with stakeholders, Macklemore would no longer appear as a supporting act for the remaining dates. The venues that opposed his presence include Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, AT&T Stadium in Arlington, and Raymond James Stadium in Tampa.

This decision came in the wake of Macklemore’s recent performances at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, where he openly voiced his support for Palestinians, urging the crowd to chant “Free Palestine.” During his first show at MetLife, he emphasized his motivation for joining the tour was to use the platform to advocate for Palestinians, stating, “I want those words to be loud and clear, so that people all the way in Gaza to the occupied West Bank know that we have not forgotten about them.”

In addition to his statements, Macklemore displayed images depicting destruction in Gaza and performed “Hind’s Hall,” a protest song inspired by pro-Palestinian demonstrations at Columbia University. He later addressed criticism from pro-Israel groups and others who opposed his remarks, clarifying, “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.” He further emphasized that his message promotes peace and respect for all human beings.

Macklemore has been an outspoken advocate for Palestinians for several years and released “Hind’s Hall” in 2024 to support the pro-Palestinian movement. However, his stance has drawn backlash from pro-Israel organizations. StopAntisemitism accused him of using his concert platform to spread what it termed “anti-Israel propaganda,” while the Israeli-American Council initiated a petition demanding his removal from the tour.

Criticism also came from singer Pink, who initially echoed concerns about Macklemore’s comments but later clarified she was not advocating for his removal or silencing. Macklemore responded to his dismissal on social media, reaffirming his support for Palestinians and explaining his continued public engagement on the Gaza situation.

Most of the stadiums involved have not publicly stated their reasons for opposing Macklemore’s performances. Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour is set to resume in Philadelphia on September 19 and run through November 7, with Lukas Graham and Aaron Rowe remaining as supporting acts.