Macklemore has been dropped from the remaining dates of Ed Sheeran’s tour after his pro-Palestine comments at a concert in the US, with several venues reportedly objecting to his participation.
The rapper’s departure was reported after he performed alongside Sheeran at MetLife Stadium earlier this month. Before performing his protest song “Hind’s Hall”, Macklemore told the audience: “Free Palestine.”
The remarks prompted a backlash, including a petition by the Israeli-American Council calling for him to be removed from the tour.
Rolling Stone reported that at least some venues had told the tour they would not allow Macklemore to perform. It is not clear which venues raised concerns.
Two of the privately owned stadiums involved are Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte and Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. They are owned by NFL team owners David Tepper and Robert Kraft respectively.
Macklemore later defended his comments, saying his criticism of Israel was not directed at Jewish people and that he was speaking about peace and equal treatment.
Pink was also drawn into the controversy after reposting criticism of Macklemore, although she later clarified that she had not personally called for him to be fired.
The remaining Ed Sheeran tour shows will now continue without Macklemore.
