The story

Macklemore will no longer open for Ed Sheeran on his U.S. stadium tour after making pro-Palestinian statements during performances at MetLife Stadium on Sept. 4 and 5. During his sets, the rapper wore a keffiyeh, performed his protest song "Hind's Hall" about the 2024 killing of 5-year-old Hind Rajab in Gaza, and told audiences he wanted to say "Free Palestine." He also showed footage of Israeli soldiers contrasted against Palestinian civilians and rubble.

New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, who is Jewish and owns Gillette Stadium, confirmed he banned Macklemore from the venue, citing the rapper's comments and what he characterized as "a broader history of antisemitic rhetoric and imagery that we believe has been deeply offensive and hurtful to the Jewish community." According to Macklemore, Kraft called Sheeran and rallied other stadium owners to give him an ultimatum: drop Macklemore or lose their venues. Messina Touring Group, the tour promoter, said venues notified them they would not allow concerts with Macklemore on the lineup.

The Israeli American Council circulated a petition demanding that venues and tour organizers pressure Sheeran to remove Macklemore. Singer Pink criticized Macklemore, saying he dismissed increased antisemitism Jews have faced since the war in Gaza began in October 2023, and that he had used Jewish caricatures in past performances of "Thrift Shop." Macklemore said the situation would not dissuade his activism for Palestine, stating he only needed two chances to stand before 90,000 people and say "Free Palestine."