A week after the rapper Macklemore voiced support for “Free Palestine” during a performance, he has been dropped from the remaining U.S. dates of Ed Sheeran’s “Loop Tour.” Macklemore had opened for Sheeran in several shows and performed his song “Hind’s Hall,” which criticized Israel.

Concert promoter Messina Touring Group cited venue rejections to Macklemore’s participation, stating it would result in tour cancellations and affect many fans. Consequently, Macklemore will no longer perform on eight of the remaining ten U.S. dates.

In response, Macklemore shared on Instagram his feelings about the situation, emphasizing that he, Sheeran, and Pink, who had criticized Macklemore’s remarks, are not victims in this scenario. He asserted that the real victims are the Palestinian people who suffer violence, displacement, and fatalities.

During his performance on September 4 at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium, Macklemore repeated the phrase “Free Palestine” amid a slideshow of war footage from Gaza. This act drew criticism from some fans and a specific Instagram account focused on antisemitism.

Macklemore revealed discussions with Ed Sheeran, expressing the differing standpoints they had. Despite their friendship, Macklemore conveyed his responsibility to tell the truth regarding the consequences of his remarks.

The rapper claimed that Robert Kraft, owner of Gillette Stadium, imposed restrictions, leading Sheeran to remove Macklemore from performing due to stadium owner pressures. Macklemore indicated these actions were influenced by the notion that his messages on Palestinian liberation posed commercial risks.

Macklemore held firm, insisting his continuous advocacy for Palestinian freedom shouldn’t be mistaken for antisemitism. He argued that legitimate criticism of Israel should not be conflated with disdain for Jewish people.

Despite being removed from the tour, Macklemore affirmed that his friendship with Sheeran remains important. He stressed that his position on the issue stands unchanged and views the development as a means to highlight Palestinian struggles to a larger audience.