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Ed Sheeran Tour Turmoil· Day 1

Macklemore Dropped From Ed Sheeran Tour

The rapper was removed from Ed Sheeran's tour after onstage pro-Palestinian remarks.

September 14, 2026 · Updated Sep 14, 9:09pm ET

35%

Left · 9

19%

Center · 5

46%

Right · 12

Pano rates the coverage Balanced.

What happened

Macklemore said he was dropped from remaining U.S. dates of Ed Sheeran’s Loop tour after pro-Palestinian remarks while opening for Sheeran. At MetLife Stadium shows, he said “Free Palestine,” discussed Gaza and the occupied West Bank, and performed “Hind’s Hall.” Messina Touring Group said venues would not proceed with Macklemore on the bill. Macklemore claimed Robert Kraft rallied venue owners against him; Kraft confirmed Gillette Stadium barred him but framed it as venue-specific, citing alleged antisemitic rhetoric and imagery.

How the left told it

Left-leaning coverage framed the removal as fallout from onstage comments and venue pressure. The Guardian noted his “Free Palestine” comment and said the Israeli American Council petitioned for his removal. The Guardian also cited the promoter’s statement that venues would not allow concerts with him. Al Jazeera focused on Gillette Stadium owner Robert Kraft’s concern over alleged antisemitic rhetoric, while the Boston Globe noted he performed “Hind’s Hall,” a Gaza-war protest song.

How the right told it

Conservative coverage stressed venue refusal and objections to Macklemore’s stage material. Fox News reported he was removed after multiple venues refused to host him, while Breitbart News cited Messina Touring Group’s statement that venues objected. RedState described his sets as anti-Israel political rants with Gaza images and “Free Palestine” chants. The Daily Wire highlighted Macklemore’s claim that Robert Kraft led a concerted effort to remove him.

Ed Sheeran Tour Turmoil

Storyline →
  1. Sep 19Ed Sheeran Returns After Macklemore CutBalanced
  2. Sep 17Macklemore Removal Roils Ed Sheeran TourLeans Right
  3. Sep 16Ed Sheeran Tour Drops MacklemoreLeans Left
  4. Sep 15Macklemore Dropped From Ed Sheeran TourBalanced
  5. Sep 14Macklemore Dropped From Ed Sheeran Tour (this story)Balanced

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