Ed Sheeran's US tour faces fallout after Macklemore's pro-Palestine remarks
Macklemore opened Ed Sheeran’s September 4‑5 concerts with a protest song and a “Free Palestine” declaration, prompting a petition from the Israeli‑American Council to have him removed. Stadium owners including Robert Kraft, Arthur Blank, Jeffrey Lurie and David Tepper warned that his presence would bar the shows, leading promoter Messian Touring Group to cut him from the Loop Tour. In solidarity, other opening acts such as Finneas, Aaron Rowe, Lukas Graham and the folk group Beoga also withdrew.
Sheeran later addressed the Philadelphia audience, expressing remorse and emphasizing that he wants the concerts to remain about music, not politics. Ticket resale data show a modest decline in prices, and local groups have announced plans to protest outside the stadium.
How this was covered
- Left-leaning outlets covered this 2h later
- Coverage peaked at 7 outlets in a single hour
Why it matters
The dispute illustrates how performers’ political statements can reshape major concert tours and affect relationships with venues and fans.
How this story developed
- Sep 6 Macklemore's pro-Palestine remarks at Ed Sheeran concert spark IAC backlash
- Sep 14 Macklemore said Robert Kraft warned that Kraft Group venues would bar the tour if he stayed on the lineup.
- Sep 16 Ed Sheeran publicly affirmed Macklemore’s account of the Kraft ultimatum.
- Sep 17 UK Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy expressed sympathy for Sheeran and Paloma Faith publicly challenged his claim of neutrality.
- Sep 18 Finneas, Lukas Graham, Aaron Rowe and Beoga announced they would no longer appear on the tour.
- Sep 19 Ed Sheeran's Philadelphia show will proceed amid protests and the recent departure of several opening acts after a pro-Palestinian controversy.
- Sep 19 President Donald Trump acted on his threat to bar certain outlets, preventing MS NOW journalists from entering the White House on Saturday.
- Sep 19 An MS NOW producer’s badge worked while a photographer’s badge was deactivated.
- Sep 20 Macklemore’s removal from the tour led to a planned protest outside the Philadelphia show.
- Sep 20 Sheeran addressed the Philadelphia audience, saying he was sorry and wanted the shows to focus on music rather than politics.
- Sep 21 Macklemore announced a $1 million pledge to six Palestinian aid groups.
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