American hip-hop artist Macklemore has claimed that he was removed from Ed Sheeran’s concert tour across the United States following on-stage speeches in which he expressed support for Palestine.
The rapper, who was serving as an opening act for the British singer-songwriter's North American stadium shows, stated that his removal came after he voiced political commentary during a live gig. According to Sky News, the musician confirmed he was ousted from the tour roster shortly after uttering the phrase "Free Palestine" on stage.
The artist's remarks during the performance drew immediate backlash from advocacy organisations. As reported by BBC News, several Jewish groups issued formal condemnations of the rapper following his commentary criticising Israel, taking issue with the nature and placement of his speech during a mainstream music tour.
The controversy quickly impacted the tour's schedule and venue commitments. Reports from Al Jazeera indicate that the owner of Gillette Stadium personally intervened, citing serious concerns regarding Macklemore's rhetoric and Palestine advocacy as the primary reason for barring the musician from performing at the venue.
The decision underscores the ongoing sensitivities surrounding public figures taking explicit political positions on the Middle Eastern conflict. According to reports from both Sky News and Al Jazeera, Macklemore remains steadfast in his position, asserting that his vocal stance on the issue directly led to his exclusion from Sheeran's remaining US tour dates.