Ed Sheeran Faces Tour Fallout as Macklemore Removed Over Pro-Palestine Chants
Ed Sheeran is navigating one of the most public controversies of his career after his tour promoter and venues dropped Macklemore from his Loop Tour following the rapper's onstage 'Free Palestine' chants. Four openers have withdrawn in solidarity, while longtime friend Taylor Swift has remained publicly silent.
Ed Sheeran is confronting one of the most public controversies of his career after his tour promoter and venues removed rapper Macklemore from his Loop Tour, a decision that has drawn backlash from pro-Palestinian and anti-Israel activists alike and prompted four of his opening acts to withdraw in solidarity.
The dispute began earlier this month when Macklemore, during his opening set at New Jersey's MetLife Stadium, led chants of «Free Palestine» and described Israel's actions using terms such as «genocide» and «apartheid.» Groups including StopAntisemitism and the Combat Antisemitism Movement called for his removal, and singer Pink criticized the performance. Macklemore has since doubled down on his stance rather than backing away from it.
Sheeran responded with a statement saying the decision to remove Macklemore was made by the tour's promoters and venues, not by him personally. He also expressed a desire to continue the tour and avoid letting down fans or crew members who depend on his concerts for their income. The explanation did not quiet the uproar. Four of his tour openers subsequently pulled out of his concerts in solidarity with Macklemore, citing their own opposition to what they described as genocide in Gaza.
The episode has also resurfaced Macklemore's history of drawing fierce criticism, including in 2014 when he wore what appeared to be an antisemitic costume caricaturing Jewish people. He claimed at the time that it was unintentional.
Throughout the turmoil, Sheeran's longtime friend and collaborator Taylor Swift has remained publicly silent. The two have shared a close personal and professional relationship spanning more than a decade, one often described as among the most high-profile friendships in modern music history. Sheeran opened for the North American leg of Swift's «Red Tour» in 2013, and the pair have collaborated on songs including the duet «Everything Has Changed» and the 2021 track «Run.» He also appeared as a surprise guest during her Eras Tour.
Their mutual support has produced memorable moments. When Swift won her first BRIT Award in 2015, she thanked Sheeran in her acceptance speech, crediting him with teaching her about British culture and pubs. He has turned up at her concerts, once dressed as a clown during a Nashville show. Both artists have often said they relate to each other because of the unique pressures that come with their level of fame.
Swift's representatives are known for protecting her brand, and she has historically been selective about when she speaks out. In recent years, however, she has used her platform for progressive causes, including endorsing Kamala Harris in 2024 and supporting gay rights. She has also worked to register more voters. In 2018, she criticized Republican Tennessee Senate candidate Marsha Blackburn over her conservative voting record and opposition to LGBTQ+ and women's rights, endorsing Democrat Phil Bredesen instead. She also described President Donald Trump as a poor leader during the COVID-19 pandemic and accused him of cheating to win.
Some entertainment industry veterans argue that performers should stay out of politics altogether, whether the figure is Macklemore, Swift or any other celebrity. David Sams, CEO of Sams Global Companies and former head of global marketing and creative affairs at King World, told Fox News Digital that his general feeling is that they ought to stay in their own lane. He described the noise surrounding such disputes as excessive, saying that with everything going on in the world, giving even five seconds to their shenanigans is ridiculous.
Swift has at times also faced criticism from the left for being insufficiently outspoken on issues. Fox News Digital reached out to Swift for comment but did not immediately receive a response.
