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\n Related: <\/span>Finneas and More Acts Exit Ed Sheeran’s Tour After Macklemore Is Dropped<\/span><\/a>
\n\t\t<\/h3>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n\t\t\tFinneas and other musical acts are showing their support for Macklemore \u2014 and the Palestinian people \u2014 by exiting Ed Sheeran\u2019s Loop Tour amid the controversial decision to drop the Seattle rapper from the show. \u201cArtists must not be silenced when they speak up for the oppressed,\u201d Finneas, 29, wrote via Instagram on Tuesday, September [\u2026]\t\t<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Macklemore\u2019s \u2018Free Palestine\u2019 Moment\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n
While opening for Sheeran at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on September 4 and 5, 2026, Macklemore chanted \u201cFree Palestine\u201d and denounced genocide in all forms before performing his protest track \u201cHind\u2019s Hall\u201d in opposition of Israel\u2019s war in Gaza. During his set, the rapper claimed one of his primary reasons for signing onto the roster for the stadium shows was to advocate for Palestine amid the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.<\/p>\n
Pink\u2019s Involvement in the Backlash<\/b><\/h2>\n
Days later, Pink reposted comments from StopAntisemitism, accusing Macklemore of spreading \u201canti-Israel propaganda\u201d that soon sparked backlash. She addressed the controversy in a statement that month.<\/p>\n
\u201cI was born a Jew. I didn\u2019t pick it, and I\u2019ve never hidden it,\u201d she wrote in an Instagram statement<\/span><\/a> shared on Rosh Hashanah, the start of the Jewish year, claiming that, \u201cHamas is a terrorist organization\u201d but \u201cPalestinians deserve a future that honors their humanity and their aspirations.\u201d<\/p>\nOf her reaction to Macklemore\u2019s speech, she added, in part, \u201cA repost isn\u2019t a statement, and a meme isn\u2019t a spine.\u201d<\/p>\n
Macklemore Removed From Ed Sheeran\u2019s Tour<\/b><\/h2>\n
News broke on September 14, 2026, that Macklemore would not perform at Sheeran\u2019s remaining U.S. shows. Concert promoter Messina Touring Group told Rolling Stone<\/i> in a statement that several venues had notified the company they would not allow concerts to take place with Macklemore on the lineup, \u201cwhich would result in the cancellation of the tour and impact hundreds of thousands of fans.\u201d<\/p>\n
Sheeran addressed the decision<\/span><\/a> via Instagram on September 15, writing, \u201cAfter Macklemore\u2019s performances at my New Jersey shows, venues on my upcoming tour dates communicated that they would pull the shows if he was still supporting.\u201d<\/p>\nHe added that \u201cMacklemore coming off tour was the promoter\u2019s decision, it was not mine\u201d and stressed that he respects Macklemore \u201cas an artist.\u201d<\/p>\n
Sheeran continued: \u201cI have spent this week trying to build bridges, to find a solution and unfortunately, was unable to do so. I know who I am, both as a person and as an artist, and those who know my heart know my values too.\u201d<\/p>\n
Macklemore fired back on Instagram<\/span><\/a>, alleging, \u201cI didn\u2019t need 10 shows from Ed. I needed 2. Two chances to stand in front of 90,000 people and say the words that somehow became too dangerous to say. Free Palestine. But if those words cost me the stage, while turning the conversation back to Palestine, then it was the most successful tour I\u2019ve ever been on.\u201d<\/p>\nMacklemore also described Sheeran as a\u00a0 friend of 13 years and hoped that the disagreement would not end their friendship.<\/p>\n
\u201cI am not a victim. Ed Sheeran is not a victim. Pink is not a victim. We have careers, money, opportunities, safety and audiences around the world,\u201d he added in his statement. \u201cWhatever consequences any of us face for what we say, we get to go home to our families.\u201d<\/p>\n
Other \u2018Loop Tour\u2019 Acts Withdraw<\/b><\/h2>\n
Since Macklemore\u2019s exit, additional Loop Tour<\/i> acts \u2014 Finneas, Lukas Graham, Aaron Rowe<\/b> and Beoga \u2014 have dropped out. Kehlani<\/b>, who was not affiliated with the concerts, voiced support for Macklemore in the comments of his Instagram post, writing, \u201cA LOT of the venues \/ owners are rallied together this way. Honored to know you brother. Adore you. Behind you!!!!\u201d<\/p>\nRobert Kraft Weighs In\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n
Robert Kraft, the owner of the New England Patriots and Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, was partially blamed for Macklemore being removed from the Loop Tour <\/i>bill.\u00a0<\/i><\/p>\n
In a statement, Kraft told ESPN that Macklemore\u2019s participation in the September 25 and 26 concerts at Gillette Stadium \u201cwould cross that line\u201d following an alleged \u201cbroader history of antisemitic rhetoric and imagery.\u201d<\/p>\n
Macklemore\u2019s $1 Million Donation Challenge<\/b><\/h2>\n
Macklemore announced on September 17, 2026 that he planned to donate the $1 million he earned from the Loop Tour<\/i> to six organizations that support Palestinians.<\/p>\n
\u201cI invite Robert Kraft to match my donation,\u201d he wrote. \u201cWhatever we disagree about, perhaps we can agree on this: Palestinian lives are worth protecting.\u201d<\/p>\n
Kraft responded the same day<\/span><\/a>, sharing in a statement of his own, \u201cEarlier today, before Macklemore challenged me to match his donation, Ed called me and asked me to commit $2 million to match his donation to aid in the region to fight this humanitarian crisis.\u201d<\/p>\nAccording to Kraft, Sheeran reportedly \u201cplans to reach out to other venue owners\u201d to continue \u201cto work together to build bridges.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI have dedicated much of my life to building bridges between all people,\u201d Kraft added. \u201cI believe deeply that all lives are worth protecting.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ed Sheeran Cries as He Addresses Controversy at Philadelphia Concert<\/h2>\n
All eyes were on Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia on September 19, 2026, as Sheeran returned to the stage for the first time since the controversy with Macklemore erupted.<\/p>\n
Ahead of the show, his management changed the start time<\/a> from 5:30 p.m. ET to 8 p.m. ET to account for support acts dropping out. Ticket prices<\/a> also took a hit, with some seats dropping from $100 early to as low as $42 on Saturday.<\/p>\nSheeran made the decision to drastically alter the format<\/a> of the Philly show, removing the B-stage where he traditionally took song requests from fans.<\/p>\nAt showtime, Sheeran got choked up as he addressed the events of the past week<\/a>, explaining to fans that he was used to his \u201cmusic being criticized\u201d but never his personal beliefs.<\/p>\n\u201cThis week, the criticism was about something much more important, and I\u2019ve had to take [it in] and make difficult decisions, and I am making mistakes, and I\u2019m so so sorry,\u201d he said from the stage.<\/p>\n
Sheeran reflected on being placed \u201cin the middle of an important, passionate argument about freedom of speech.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is a humanitarian issue [in Palestine] and I cannot hide how I feel about it anymore,\u201d he acknowledged. \u201cWhat happened in Israel on October 7 was horrific and compounded centuries of pain. What is happening in Gaza is catastrophic and unjustifiable \u2014 and disproportionate. \u2026 The systemic injustice we see unfolding in the West Bank cannot be overlooked.\u201d<\/p>\n
The singer-songwriter thanked his fans for standing by him, telling them he was \u201chonestly so grateful\u201d that they\u2019d come out to support him after such a tumultuous week.<\/p>\n
Melissa Barrera Compares Her \u2018Scream 7\u2019 Firing to Macklemore\u2019s Situation<\/h2>\n
Melissa Barrera spoke to The Associated Press<\/em> on September 16 about how the support Macklemore was receiving from fans and fellow artists differed from her own firing<\/a> from Scream 7<\/em> after making pro-Palestinian statements.<\/p>\n\u201cIt made me emotional, you know,\u201d Barrera said. \u201cI didn\u2019t get that when it happened to me. I didn\u2019t have any of that happen. It was too soon. People were too scared. But it\u2019s good to see that almost three years later, at least things have changed.\u201d<\/p>\n
The actress was infamously dropped from the cast of Scream 7<\/em> for showing support for Palestinian causes in the wake of the October 7, 2023, terror attacks. (Production company Spyglass has maintained that her support for Palestinians was not the reason for her departure from the franchise.)<\/p>\n\n\n\t![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.usmagazine.com\/wp-content\/themes\/us-weekly\/assets\/img\/newsletter-bg-narrow.jpg\")
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Of her reaction to Macklemore\u2019s speech, she added, in part, \u201cA repost isn\u2019t a statement, and a meme isn\u2019t a spine.\u201d<\/p>\n
Macklemore Removed From Ed Sheeran\u2019s Tour<\/b><\/h2>\n
News broke on September 14, 2026, that Macklemore would not perform at Sheeran\u2019s remaining U.S. shows. Concert promoter Messina Touring Group told Rolling Stone<\/i> in a statement that several venues had notified the company they would not allow concerts to take place with Macklemore on the lineup, \u201cwhich would result in the cancellation of the tour and impact hundreds of thousands of fans.\u201d<\/p>\n
Sheeran addressed the decision<\/span><\/a> via Instagram on September 15, writing, \u201cAfter Macklemore\u2019s performances at my New Jersey shows, venues on my upcoming tour dates communicated that they would pull the shows if he was still supporting.\u201d<\/p>\n He added that \u201cMacklemore coming off tour was the promoter\u2019s decision, it was not mine\u201d and stressed that he respects Macklemore \u201cas an artist.\u201d<\/p>\n Sheeran continued: \u201cI have spent this week trying to build bridges, to find a solution and unfortunately, was unable to do so. I know who I am, both as a person and as an artist, and those who know my heart know my values too.\u201d<\/p>\n Macklemore fired back on Instagram<\/span><\/a>, alleging, \u201cI didn\u2019t need 10 shows from Ed. I needed 2. Two chances to stand in front of 90,000 people and say the words that somehow became too dangerous to say. Free Palestine. But if those words cost me the stage, while turning the conversation back to Palestine, then it was the most successful tour I\u2019ve ever been on.\u201d<\/p>\n Macklemore also described Sheeran as a\u00a0 friend of 13 years and hoped that the disagreement would not end their friendship.<\/p>\n \u201cI am not a victim. Ed Sheeran is not a victim. Pink is not a victim. We have careers, money, opportunities, safety and audiences around the world,\u201d he added in his statement. \u201cWhatever consequences any of us face for what we say, we get to go home to our families.\u201d<\/p>\n Since Macklemore\u2019s exit, additional Loop Tour<\/i> acts \u2014 Finneas, Lukas Graham, Aaron Rowe<\/b> and Beoga \u2014 have dropped out. Kehlani<\/b>, who was not affiliated with the concerts, voiced support for Macklemore in the comments of his Instagram post, writing, \u201cA LOT of the venues \/ owners are rallied together this way. Honored to know you brother. Adore you. Behind you!!!!\u201d<\/p>\n Robert Kraft, the owner of the New England Patriots and Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, was partially blamed for Macklemore being removed from the Loop Tour <\/i>bill.\u00a0<\/i><\/p>\n In a statement, Kraft told ESPN that Macklemore\u2019s participation in the September 25 and 26 concerts at Gillette Stadium \u201cwould cross that line\u201d following an alleged \u201cbroader history of antisemitic rhetoric and imagery.\u201d<\/p>\n Macklemore announced on September 17, 2026 that he planned to donate the $1 million he earned from the Loop Tour<\/i> to six organizations that support Palestinians.<\/p>\n \u201cI invite Robert Kraft to match my donation,\u201d he wrote. \u201cWhatever we disagree about, perhaps we can agree on this: Palestinian lives are worth protecting.\u201d<\/p>\n Kraft responded the same day<\/span><\/a>, sharing in a statement of his own, \u201cEarlier today, before Macklemore challenged me to match his donation, Ed called me and asked me to commit $2 million to match his donation to aid in the region to fight this humanitarian crisis.\u201d<\/p>\n According to Kraft, Sheeran reportedly \u201cplans to reach out to other venue owners\u201d to continue \u201cto work together to build bridges.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI have dedicated much of my life to building bridges between all people,\u201d Kraft added. \u201cI believe deeply that all lives are worth protecting.\u201d<\/p>\n All eyes were on Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia on September 19, 2026, as Sheeran returned to the stage for the first time since the controversy with Macklemore erupted.<\/p>\n Ahead of the show, his management changed the start time<\/a> from 5:30 p.m. ET to 8 p.m. ET to account for support acts dropping out. Ticket prices<\/a> also took a hit, with some seats dropping from $100 early to as low as $42 on Saturday.<\/p>\n Sheeran made the decision to drastically alter the format<\/a> of the Philly show, removing the B-stage where he traditionally took song requests from fans.<\/p>\n At showtime, Sheeran got choked up as he addressed the events of the past week<\/a>, explaining to fans that he was used to his \u201cmusic being criticized\u201d but never his personal beliefs.<\/p>\n \u201cThis week, the criticism was about something much more important, and I\u2019ve had to take [it in] and make difficult decisions, and I am making mistakes, and I\u2019m so so sorry,\u201d he said from the stage.<\/p>\n Sheeran reflected on being placed \u201cin the middle of an important, passionate argument about freedom of speech.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThis is a humanitarian issue [in Palestine] and I cannot hide how I feel about it anymore,\u201d he acknowledged. \u201cWhat happened in Israel on October 7 was horrific and compounded centuries of pain. What is happening in Gaza is catastrophic and unjustifiable \u2014 and disproportionate. \u2026 The systemic injustice we see unfolding in the West Bank cannot be overlooked.\u201d<\/p>\n The singer-songwriter thanked his fans for standing by him, telling them he was \u201chonestly so grateful\u201d that they\u2019d come out to support him after such a tumultuous week.<\/p>\n Melissa Barrera spoke to The Associated Press<\/em> on September 16 about how the support Macklemore was receiving from fans and fellow artists differed from her own firing<\/a> from Scream 7<\/em> after making pro-Palestinian statements.<\/p>\n \u201cIt made me emotional, you know,\u201d Barrera said. \u201cI didn\u2019t get that when it happened to me. I didn\u2019t have any of that happen. It was too soon. People were too scared. But it\u2019s good to see that almost three years later, at least things have changed.\u201d<\/p>\n The actress was infamously dropped from the cast of Scream 7<\/em> for showing support for Palestinian causes in the wake of the October 7, 2023, terror attacks. (Production company Spyglass has maintained that her support for Palestinians was not the reason for her departure from the franchise.)<\/p>\nOther \u2018Loop Tour\u2019 Acts Withdraw<\/b><\/h2>\n
Robert Kraft Weighs In\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n
Macklemore\u2019s $1 Million Donation Challenge<\/b><\/h2>\n
Ed Sheeran Cries as He Addresses Controversy at Philadelphia Concert<\/h2>\n
Melissa Barrera Compares Her \u2018Scream 7\u2019 Firing to Macklemore\u2019s Situation<\/h2>\n
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