Ms. Rachel speaks out against Ed Sheeran's decision to remove Macklemore
Ms. Rachel criticizes Ed Sheeran for removing Macklemore from tour over Palestine statements.
Event / Society
Macklemore Ed Sheeran Tour Removal
Macklemore removed from Ed Sheeran's Loop Tour following pro-Palestinian remarks and concert performance, raising questions about artistic freedom, political speech, and venue owner control.
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2026-09-15 to 2026-11-05 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 15 Sept, 00:45 UTC
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What happened
Macklemore performs pro-Palestinian song at Ed Sheeran concert
Rapper Macklemore performed at Ed Sheeran's Loop Tour concert at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on September 4-5, 2024. During his set, Macklemore wore a keffiyeh and performed his protest song "Hind's Hall," which he wrote following 2024 campus protests in support of Palestinians. The song is named after Hind Rajab, a 5-year-old Palestinian girl killed when Israeli forces fired on her family's car in Gaza City. Macklemore told the crowd: "A big part of the reason why I wanted to do this tour in the first place is so I could stand up in stadiums like this and say two words that are very near and dear to my heart: 'Free Palestine.'" He added: "To all of my Jewish brothers and sisters, criticism of Israel, criticism of apartheid, being against genocide, it in no way is criticism of you."
Robert Kraft confirms responsibility for Macklemore's removal
Robert Kraft, owner of the New England Patriots and Gillette Stadium, issued a statement confirming his role in Macklemore's removal. Kraft stated that Gillette Stadium has "a longstanding commitment to providing a welcoming environment for all guests and ensuring that events held at our venue do not provide a platform for hate speech." He cited Macklemore's "recent actions, material shared from the stage during Ed Sheeran's shows in New Jersey, and a broader history of antisemitic rhetoric and imagery" as reasons for the decision. Kraft also stated: "This decision is not about diminishing the suffering of innocent Palestinians or denying anyone the right to advocate on their behalf. Their pain and loss are real. Macklemore's advocacy should not come at the expense of the Jewish community or obscure the responsibility of Hamas."
Stadium owners force removal of Macklemore from Ed Sheeran tour
Following Macklemore's pro-Palestinian remarks at MetLife Stadium, multiple U.S. venue owners objected to his continued participation in Ed Sheeran's Loop Tour. On September 9, 2024, Robert Kraft, owner of the New England Patriots and Gillette Stadium, called Ed Sheeran and delivered an ultimatum: if Macklemore remained on the tour, Sheeran would not be permitted to perform at any of Kraft's venues or those of other stadium owners who joined the coalition. Kraft stated the decision was based on Macklemore's "recent comments" and "a broader history of antisemitic rhetoric and imagery that we believe has been deeply offensive and hurtful to the Jewish community." The tour promoter, Messina Touring Group, confirmed on September 9 that multiple venues would not allow Macklemore to perform, which would result in cancellation of the tour and impact hundreds of thousands of fans.
Macklemore dropped from Ed Sheeran's remaining tour dates
Macklemore was removed from Ed Sheeran's Loop Tour following the ultimatum from stadium owners. Macklemore had been scheduled to perform as opening act at 8 of the tour's remaining 10 concerts. The tour was set to resume on September 19, 2024, with venues including Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, AT&T Stadium in Arlington, and Raymond James Stadium in Tampa.
Macklemore confirms removal and describes ultimatum from Kraft
On September 14, 2024, Macklemore posted a lengthy statement on Instagram confirming his removal from the tour. He stated that Ed Sheeran had told him that Robert Kraft delivered an ultimatum: "if Macklemore stays on the tour, you will not be allowed to play in our venues." Macklemore acknowledged Sheeran was in a difficult situation but expressed disappointment in Sheeran's position of neutrality. Macklemore stated: "Taking a side can cost you. Money, brand deals, sponsorships, festivals, private shows, relationships and access. I've lost all of those things. But there is no neutral position between the oppressor and the oppressed."
Ms. Rachel criticizes Ed Sheeran for removing Macklemore
YouTuber and educator Rachel Accurso, known professionally as Ms. Rachel, posted criticism of Ed Sheeran on Instagram following Macklemore's removal. She stated: "Ed Sheeran had an opportunity [to] show that we won't be bullied into punishing people for supporting Palestine. Instead he caved to people who refuse to accept what the world knows. A genocide is happening in Gaza." She added: "Imagine looking back 20 years from now at yourself kicking someone off a tour because they spoke out during a genocide that has killed over 20,000 kids." Accurso cited figures from Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry, which reported more than 21,000 children killed in Israeli attacks, figures considered reliable by the United Nations.
Robert Kraft cites antisemitic rhetoric in statement against Macklemore performing
New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft issued a statement explaining Gillette Stadium would not host Macklemore for scheduled September 25-26 concerts, citing a 'broader history of antisemitic rhetoric and imagery' and concerns about providing a platform for hate speech. Kraft acknowledged Palestinian suffering while emphasizing Hamas's role and stating that advocacy for Palestinians should not come at the expense of the Jewish community.
Macklemore responds to tour cancellation on social media
Macklemore posted on Instagram that he was willing to sacrifice the larger tour platform to deliver his pro-Palestine message, stating he 'only needed two shows' to speak to 90,000 people. He characterized the cancellation as a 'successful tour' because it redirected conversation to Palestine despite losing performance opportunities.
Macklemore dropped from Ed Sheeran tour dates over pro-Palestine statements
Rapper Macklemore was removed from 8 of 10 scheduled opening dates on Ed Sheeran's tour following backlash over pro-Palestine remarks made at MetLife Stadium concerts in New Jersey on September 4-5, 2026. Macklemore stated from stage: 'Free Palestine' and praised Columbia University student protest movements. Several venue owners, including New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft at Gillette Stadium, refused to allow him to perform.
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2 alternative perspectives
Venue owner Kraft forces Macklemore's removal from Sheeran tour
Venue owner Robert Kraft forced Macklemore off Ed Sheeran tour after pro-Palestinian song.
Macklemore removed from Ed Sheeran tour over Palestine statements
Macklemore dropped from Ed Sheeran tour following Palestine statements and antisemitism concerns.