Ed Sheeran Tour Drops Macklemore

Macklemore pledged his full $1 million in net tour earnings to six groups aiding Palestinians after Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour dropped him as an opener. The cut followed backlash over Macklemore’s pro-Palestinian comments at two New Jersey shows, and Sheeran’s other support acts later quit in solidarity. Macklemore said New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft blocked him from Gillette Stadium and pushed other venues; Sheeran said the promoter acted after venues threatened to pull shows. Kraft said Gillette Stadium would not host hate speech, citing what he called antisemitic rhetoric and imagery. He also said Sheeran asked him to commit $2 million in regional aid. The tour is still expected to continue, but new openers remain unclear.