Macklemore dropped from Ed Sheeran’s US tour after ‘free Palestine’ speech
Macklemore was dropped as the opening act on Ed Sheeran's US tour after saying 'Free Palestine' on stage, and each outlet explains what drove the decision differently.
Written by Roundtablefrom 3 outlets' reporting
01What happened
Macklemore, whose real name is Benjamin Haggerty, performed as the opening act on Ed Sheeran's Loop tour. During concerts at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on 4 and 5 September, he said 'Free Palestine' and made other comments about Gaza and the West Bank. He also performed his song Hind's Hall, which criticizes Israel's military action in Gaza, with footage of devastation shown on screen. After the performances, pro-Israel groups criticized him. Tour promoter Messina Touring Group confirmed he was removed from the remaining US tour dates. Macklemore posted a statement on Instagram saying he stood by his comments and describing conversations with Sheeran. Ed Sheeran later responded in an Instagram post. Robert Kraft, owner of Gillette Stadium, said Macklemore was barred from that venue, citing his rhetoric and imagery.
The facts every outlet at this table agrees on.
02Every voice
One entry per outlet, in the order they should be read. Each links back to the reporting it was drawn from — check any of it.
BBC News
Read the original· bbc.co.ukHow they framed it
Focuses on the sequence of performances, the criticism from Jewish groups, and Macklemore's public response, presenting it as a controversy over on-stage remarks.
In their words
BBC reported that Macklemore was dropped after making pro-Palestinian remarks, saying 'Free Palestine' at two concerts. It quoted his statement that the real victims are Palestinian people in Gaza. It reported that StopAntisemitism and the Israeli-American Council criticized him, with the council calling it not a political rally. It also included background on the 7 October 2023 attack and the Gaza death toll from the Hamas-run health ministry.
Al Jazeera English
Read the original· aljazeera.comHow they framed it
Centers on Robert Kraft's role in barring Macklemore from Gillette Stadium and the allegation that Kraft pressured other venue owners, framing it as a conflict over venue access and political speech.
In their words
Al Jazeera reported that Kraft confirmed Macklemore was barred from Gillette Stadium, citing a 'broader history of antisemitic rhetoric and imagery' and saying his appearances 'would cross that line.' It quoted Macklemore's claim that Sheeran told him Kraft was barring him and that Kraft rallied other stadium owners with an ultimatum. It also reported that promoter Messina Touring Group confirmed venues refused to host shows with Macklemore.
The Guardian
Read the original· theguardian.comHow they framed it
Highlights Ed Sheeran's public response to backlash, framing the event around Sheeran's attempt to clarify his position and the criticism of his apolitical stance.
In their words
The Guardian reported that Sheeran responded to backlash over Macklemore's removal. It quoted Sheeran's Instagram post: 'I am appalled by the conflict between Israel and Palestine' and 'The suffering and pain caused on both sides is a human tragedy.' It also described Macklemore's 4 September speech where he said 'Free Palestine' and addressed Jewish audience members, and reported that venue owners including Robert Kraft objected to his appearance.
03Where they differ
The outlets agree Macklemore was removed from the tour after his 'Free Palestine' comments and that venue objections played a role. They differ in emphasis: BBC News focuses on the on-stage remarks and the criticism from Jewish groups, presenting the removal as a response to those remarks. Al Jazeera English focuses on Robert Kraft's decision to bar Macklemore from Gillette Stadium and Macklemore's allegation that Kraft pressured other venues, emphasizing the venue-access angle. The Guardian focuses on Ed Sheeran's response to the backlash and his stated position on the conflict, emphasizing the tour headliner's reaction. They also differ in what they report about the cause: BBC mentions criticism from groups and a petition, Al Jazeera quotes Kraft's reasoning and the promoter's statement about venues refusing, and The Guardian notes objections from venue owners including Kraft.
Described, not adjudicated. Roundtable does not tell you which account is right.
04Still open
- Did Robert Kraft contact other stadium owners to pressure them into excluding Macklemore, as Macklemore alleged?
- What exactly did Ed Sheeran and Macklemore discuss in their private conversations before the removal?
- Will any venue or promoter offer a public explanation for refusing to host shows with Macklemore beyond what has been reported?
- Does the tour promoter's statement that venues 'will not allow a concert to take place with Macklemore on the lineup' reflect a coordinated decision or separate venue choices?
