Photo — Ed Sheeran: Ed Sheeran (CC BY 2.0) · Macklemore: Own work (CC BY-SA 3.0)
The Short Version
In September 2026, rapper Macklemore was removed from Ed Sheeran's North American Loop Tour following on-stage pro-Palestinian remarks at MetLife Stadium and objections from venue owners. The incident sparked a public dispute over political speech, tour management, and artist platforms, leading to the withdrawal of Sheeran's other supporting acts.
Latest Development
Ed Sheeran speaks out on stage in Philadelphia
Sheeran performed in Philadelphia without opening acts and read a four-minute statement on stage, admitting to mistakes in handling the fallout and sharing his stance on the conflict.
September 19, 2026 · Public statement
The Beef
Chronological, newest first. Every entry cites a source.
Beef timeline
September 19, 2026
Ed Sheeran speaks out on stage in Philadelphia
Public statementSheeran performed in Philadelphia without opening acts and read a four-minute statement on stage, admitting to mistakes in handling the fallout and sharing his stance on the conflict.
Source ↗September 16, 2026
Macklemore pledges $1m tour earnings to relief funds
Public statementMacklemore announced he would donate his $1 million earnings from the Loop Tour to Palestinian organizations and challenged stadium owner Robert Kraft to match the donation.
Source ↗September 15, 2026
Ed Sheeran issues response as remaining support acts quit tour
Public statementEd Sheeran released an Instagram statement stating that the promoter made the final decision to remove Macklemore after venues refused to host the show. Shortly after, other tour opening acts including Aaron Rowe, Finneas, Lukas Graham, and Beoga withdrew from the tour in protest.
Source ↗September 14, 2026
Macklemore is removed from Sheeran's tour and releases statement
ReportedTour promoter Messina Touring Group confirmed Macklemore's removal from remaining US tour dates due to venue objections. Macklemore posted a statement confirming he was dropped, citing pressure on Sheeran from stadium owners such as Robert Kraft and addressing their differing views on taking political stances.
Source ↗September 4, 2026
Macklemore delivers pro-Palestinian speech during Ed Sheeran tour show
Public statementWhile performing as an opening act on Ed Sheeran's Loop Tour at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, Macklemore made on-stage statements calling for a 'Free Palestine' and performed his protest song 'Hind's Hall'.
Source ↗
Where It Stands
Active. Macklemore was removed from the tour and pledged his tour earnings to Palestinian organizations. Ed Sheeran's remaining opening acts dropped out in solidarity, prompting Sheeran to perform without openers and address the fallout directly during his concert in Philadelphia on September 19, 2026.
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Sources
- 1.SourceEd Sheeran speaks out on stage in Philadelphia · Sep 19, 2026
- 2.SourceMacklemore pledges $1m tour earnings to relief funds · Sep 16, 2026
- 3.SourceEd Sheeran issues response as remaining support acts quit tour · Sep 15, 2026
- 4.SourceMacklemore is removed from Sheeran's tour and releases statement · Sep 14, 2026
- 5.SourceMacklemore delivers pro-Palestinian speech during Ed Sheeran tour show · Sep 4, 2026
Allegations are attributed to the party that made them and are not statements of fact.