Macklemore Says He's Out as Ed Sheeran Opener After 'Free Palestine' Moment

Macklemore says he is out as Ed Sheeran's opening act after his pro-Palestinian remarks onstage in New Jersey.

The rapper shared the news on Instagram, according to ABC News. He said several U.S. venues told the tour's promoter they would not allow him to perform as Sheeran's opener on the Loop tour. Sheeran's team then decided to remove him.

The moment at issue came Sept. 5 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Macklemore shouted "Free Palestine" while introducing his protest song "Hind's Hall." His full onstage line, as reported by Variety, was "Free Palestine, free Cuba, the Congo, Sudan and Iran."

The fallout was fast. Macklemore said venue objections drove the decision. Messina Touring Group, the promoter handling the tour logistics, confirmed it had been notified by venues that they would not allow a concert to take place with Macklemore on the lineup.

Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts was among the venues refusing him. Owner Robert Kraft cited Macklemore's recent comments and what he described as a broader history of antisemitic rhetoric and imagery.

Macklemore pushed back on the criticism in the days after the show. He defended the remarks after a weekend of backlash and calls for his removal, according to Forbes, and met the pressure with additional calls for "Free Palestine," the Los Angeles Times reported.

Sheeran has not publicly addressed the removal. His representatives did not immediately respond to emails seeking comment.

Macklemore said he holds no ill will toward Sheeran. He described the British singer as a friend.

"Hind's Hall" is central to the dispute. Macklemore wrote the song after 2024 campus protests in support of Palestinians. It was named for Hind Rajab, a 5-year-old Palestinian girl killed in Gaza City.

He had been billed as a special guest on the Loop tour. For fans holding tickets to upcoming dates, this means the opening slot is now in question. No replacement has been announced.