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Ed Sheeran Tour Turmoil· Day 2

Macklemore Dropped From Ed Sheeran Tour

Ed Sheeran said a U.S. promoter dropped Macklemore from his tour over pro-Palestinian remarks.

September 15, 2026 · Updated Sep 15, 9:29pm ET

37%

Left · 12

30%

Center · 10

33%

Right · 11

Pano rates the coverage Balanced.

What happened

All remaining listed support acts for Ed Sheeran’s upcoming tour dates withdrew after Macklemore said he was dropped for pro-Palestinian remarks at New Jersey shows. Aaron Rowe, Beoga, Lukas Graham and Finneas said they were leaving in solidarity with Macklemore and Palestinians. Sheeran said the removal was the promoter’s decision, not his, and that he tried to find a solution without making the stage a Gaza debate. Robert Kraft said Macklemore was inappropriate for Gillette Stadium, citing alleged antisemitic rhetoric and imagery.

How the left told it

Left-leaning accounts framed the ouster as powerful pro-Israel figures suppressing pro-Palestinian speech, rather than a routine tour decision. The Nation cast Kraft’s role as proof that “oligarchical power” can crush speech protections. CNN leaned into the cascade, presenting the exits as a solidarity revolt after Macklemore was removed. The Los Angeles Times highlighted Sheeran’s own claim that the decision was not his, keeping focus on promoter and venue pressure.

How the right told it

Right-leaning accounts treated the removal as a response to anti-Israel or antisemitic conduct, not protected political speech. The Daily Wire used Macklemore’s critics’ framing, calling the quitting acts backers of an “Antisemite”. Breitbart emphasized Sheeran’s distance from the decision, with Robert Kraft and venue pressure driving the dispute. Breitbart also lingered on Dearborn’s invitation as an Arab-majority city embracing Macklemore’s anti-Israel politics. The Washington Examiner focused on the tour turmoil caused by pro-Palestinian solidarity exits.

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 Tour (this story)Balanced
  5. Sep 14Macklemore Dropped From Ed Sheeran TourBalanced

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