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Ed Sheeran has returned to the stage in Philadelphia and has addressed the controversy after promoter Messina Touring Group removed Macklemore from remaining US dates following his onstage 'Free Palestine' remarks. Four supporting acts have withdrawn in solidarity, ticket sales have softened and some venues warned they would cancel shows if Macklemore remained on the bill.
The billionaire owner of Gillette Stadium has confirmed he pressured Ed Sheeran over Macklemore’s participation in a US tour, citing a history of antisemitic rhetoric. Macklemore was removed from remaining dates, drawing scrutiny of the interplay between wealth, politics and culture.
Ed Sheeran has publicly condemned the Gaza crisis as catastrophic and unjustifiable while maintaining a stance that his shows are not political. The controversy surrounding Macklemore’s removal from the Loop Tour is shaping discussions about freedom of speech, venue decisions, and the balance between art and politics.
The Loop Tour has faced disruption as four supporting acts quit in solidarity with Macklemore, who was dropped over pro-Palestinian comments. Promoter and venues say decisions were final; Sheeran has publicly distanced himself while stressing he won’t discuss Gaza or political issues at shows.
Artists including Aaron Rowe, Beoga, Lukas Graham and Finneas withdraw from Ed Sheeran's US Loop tour after Macklemore is dropped for pro-Palestinian remarks. Ed Sheeran says the decision rests with promoters as tensions rise around Gaza conflict coverage.
Rapper Macklemore has been dropped from Ed Sheeran’s US Loop Tour after pro-Palestine remarks, prompting other acts to withdraw and drawing scrutiny of venue owners and promoters. Ed Sheeran says the decision was promoter-driven, not his, while fans and artists weigh in on free speech, sponsorship, and accountability. The tour resumes in Philadelphia with uncertainty over lineup and ticketing.
Rapper Macklemore has been dropped from Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour after venue owner Robert Kraft accused him of hate speech for pro-Palestinian remarks. Kraft has called for donations to humanitarian aid and said Sheeran asked him to match a $2 million pledge. Other opening acts have withdrawn in solidarity as the tour faces growing backlash.
Robert Kraft has been pressed to match Macklemore’s $1 million donation to six Palestinian aid organizations after Macklemore was dropped from Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour following pro-Palestinian remarks. Kraft’s response emphasizes support for “all lives” and a plan to mobilize other venue owners, while Macklemore doubles down on aiding Palestinians amid the controversy.
Pro-Palestinian backlash to Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour has led to Macklemore’s removal from the lineup and to radio stations in Ireland halting Sheeran’s music, with supporters planning protests and ticket resale prices dropping in some markets.
A Bronx jury has convicted Jancys Santiago of first-degree rape in a 2001 case and has sentenced him to 25 years, to run consecutively with a 20-year sentence for a separate 2000 Manhattan home invasion rape. The case used investigative genetic genealogy to identify Santiago after decades-long cold cases were reopened. The judge has also issued a permanent protection order and sex offender registration.
Ed Sheeran has faced mounting backlash as Macklemore has been removed from the US leg of the Loop Tour after pro-Palestinian remarks. The move has sparked a wave of support from fellow artists and a backlash from fans, with Sheeran apologizing to fans as criticism of his apolitical stance grows.
Macklemore has pledged to donate the entirety of his net earnings from Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour to six Palestinian-focused organizations. The move follows his onstage call for Free Palestine and subsequent fallout with tour promoters. Several opening acts have quit in solidarity, and high-profile figures have offered matching donations.
The Ed Sheeran tour has been thrown into crisis after Macklemore was dropped for his pro-Palestinian remarks. Promoters say the move is to protect venues and the tour’s continuity. Sheeran has apologised and emphasised unity, while other acts have withdrawn in solidarity. The controversy has sparked protests and public comment from fans and fellow artists.
Macklemore has announced a short "Free Palestine" tour, saying three European dates have sold out and that proceeds will go to Palestinian aid groups. The shows will run in Dublin on Oct. 26, Paris on Oct. 29 and London on Oct. 30; additional US dates and guest artists will be announced. He made the move after being removed from Ed Sheeran's US tour earlier in September.