Overview
- The promoter removed Macklemore from the U.S. leg of Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour after Gillette Stadium owner Robert Kraft and other venue officials said they would not host shows with him on the bill.
- Macklemore had shouted “Free Palestine” onstage at MetLife Stadium on Sept. 4, which drew criticism from pro‑Israel groups and led to venue pressure that precipitated his removal.
- All scheduled opening acts and Sheeran’s backing band publicly withdrew in protest, leaving the tour’s U.S. support lineup uncertain as shows are set to resume Sept. 19 in Philadelphia.
- Macklemore announced he will donate his entire $1 million net earnings from the tour to six Palestinian aid groups and invited Kraft to match the gift, and Gillette Stadium said Kraft would commit $2 million to humanitarian aid.
- Legal experts note private venue owners can choose performers, and critics warn the episode could chill political speech by artists while supporters say it holds performers accountable for alleged antisemitic rhetoric.