Ed Sheeran Addresses Macklemore Tour Exit and Silence on Israel-Palestine Conflict
Ed Sheeran clarified that the decision to remove Macklemore from his U.S. Loop tour was the promoter's, not his, following the rapper's "free Palestine" comments at a New Jersey show. Sheeran also explained his reasons for not speaking out
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Sep 15, 2026 8:10am PT
Ed Sheeran Says Dropping Macklemore From Tour Was ‘Promoter’s Decision, Not Mine,’ Explains Why He’s Not Speaking Out on Israel and Palestine
By
Jem Aswad , Zack Sharf
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Ed Sheeran has commented on the decision to drop Macklemore from his U.S. Loop tour after the rapper made forceful “free Palestine” comments on stage during a political speech during the rapper’s performances opening for the singer at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Sept. 4 and 5.
“I am appalled by the conflict between Israel and Palestine,” his statement reads. “The suffering and pain caused on both sides is a human tragedy. There are too many wars across the world causing immeasurable pain, none of which should be tolerated. Macklemore asked to join my tour last year and I agreed, because I respect him as an artist. As with all my support acts, I agree that they play a setlist of their choosing.
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_Originally reported by [Variety Music](https://variety.com/2026/music/news/ed-sheeran-speaks-out-macklemore-1236861174/)._
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