Macklemore Dropped From Ed Sheeran Tour

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 each side covered it

From the left

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.

From the right

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.

Headlines

Macklemore Dropped From Ed Sheeran Tour

Every side, every morning

What happened

How each side covered it

From the left

From the right

Headlines

Left12

Center10

Right11

Also today