Ed Sheeran’s ‘Loop Tour’ has become an unexpected flashpoint over free speech, politics and the power that venues and promoters can have over touring artists.
The controversy began after rapper Macklemore used his opening set at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium to speak in support of Palestinians and say “Free Palestine.” Following the backlash, Macklemore was removed from the remaining dates of Sheeran’s U.S. tour. The tour’s promoter said venues had indicated they would not host concerts with Macklemore on the lineup.
Macklemore has said Sheeran told him that Robert Kraft, owner of the New England Patriots and Gillette Stadium, had opposed his participation. Kraft has acknowledged that his organization determined Macklemore’s participation would cross what he described as the venue’s line against hate speech, citing Macklemore’s recent comments and what Kraft characterized as a broader history of offensive rhetoric and imagery.
Sheeran has maintained that dropping Macklemore was the promoter’s decision rather than his own. Several other supporting acts subsequently withdrew from the tour in solidarity with Macklemore, leaving Sheeran to continue many dates without the lineup originally advertised.
Last Saturday, Sheeran broke down in tears as he talked to the sold-out crowd in Philadelphia, explaining he never wanted to bring politics into his music or shows.
‘I don’t want to disappoint fans, and I’ve never wanted to be an activist musician, but this has put me in the middle of an important and passionate argument about freedom of speech and the most complex political issue on the planet,’ Sheeran said.
For touring artists, the dispute highlights a difficult reality: performing in major stadiums can mean navigating the policies and interests of promoters, venue owners and corporate partners, as well as the expectations of fans. The episode could fuel a broader conversation about how much control artists have over their own shows—and what happens when an artist’s political expression conflicts with the people controlling the stage.
Adding another twist, Sheeran’s two scheduled concerts at Kraft’s Gillette Stadium were canceled Friday because of severe weather, not because of the Macklemore controversy.
Fallout from Ed Sheeran Macklemore Controversy.
Ed Sheeran’s ‘Loop Tour’ has become an unexpected flashpoint over free speech, politics and the power that venues and promoters can have over touring artists.
The controversy began after rapper Macklemore used his opening set at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium to speak in support of Palestinians and say “Free Palestine.” Following the backlash, Macklemore was removed from the remaining dates of Sheeran’s U.S. tour. The tour’s promoter said venues had indicated they would not host concerts with Macklemore on the lineup.
Macklemore has said Sheeran told him that Robert Kraft, owner of the New England Patriots and Gillette Stadium, had opposed his participation. Kraft has acknowledged that his organization determined Macklemore’s participation would cross what he described as the venue’s line against hate speech, citing Macklemore’s recent comments and what Kraft characterized as a broader history of offensive rhetoric and imagery.
Sheeran has maintained that dropping Macklemore was the promoter’s decision rather than his own. Several other supporting acts subsequently withdrew from the tour in solidarity with Macklemore, leaving Sheeran to continue many dates without the lineup originally advertised.
Last Saturday, Sheeran broke down in tears as he talked to the sold-out crowd in Philadelphia, explaining he never wanted to bring politics into his music or shows.
For touring artists, the dispute highlights a difficult reality: performing in major stadiums can mean navigating the policies and interests of promoters, venue owners and corporate partners, as well as the expectations of fans. The episode could fuel a broader conversation about how much control artists have over their own shows—and what happens when an artist’s political expression conflicts with the people controlling the stage.
Adding another twist, Sheeran’s two scheduled concerts at Kraft’s Gillette Stadium were canceled Friday because of severe weather, not because of the Macklemore controversy.