Grammy-winning rapper Macklemore has pledged his entire $1 million net salary from Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour to Palestinian relief organizations. The donation follows his removal from the tour after stadium owners objected to his onstage pro-Palestine speeches and use of wartime imagery.
Stadium Bans and the Tour Removal
The controversy unfolded earlier this month during Ed Sheeran’s concerts at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, where Macklemore served as an opening act. During his sets on September 4 and September 5, the rapper delivered speeches calling for a Free Palestine
and performed his protest song Hind’s Hall,
which was written following the 2024 campus demonstrations and named in honor of five-year-old Hind Rajab, who was killed in Gaza City.
The onstage remarks triggered swift blowback. The Israeli American Council organized a petition demanding his removal from the lineup, while singer Pink shared a critique on social media, writing that Jewish fans had bought tickets to see Sheeran rather than being ambushed by Macklemore’s anti-Israel propaganda
as reported by the Daily Mail.
Tour promoters ultimately dropped Macklemore after multiple U.S. venues notified management that they would prohibit concerts featuring the rapper.
Robert Kraft and the Clash Over Free Speech
Among the venues refusing to host the tour with Macklemore on the bill was Gillette Stadium, home to the New England Patriots. Stadium owner Robert Kraft confirmed he blocked the rapper from performing, citing both his recent advocacy and what he termed a broader history of antisemitic rhetoric and imagery that we believe has been deeply offensive and hurtful to the Jewish community,
according to abcnews.com.
The decision drew sharp criticism from prominent figures outside the music industry.
“The part that I hope people appreciate and take away in this moment is what [New England Patriots owner] Robert Kraft and what they’re saying by denying Macklemore the opportunity to go out and perform with Ed Sheeran is they are willing to collude. The [NFL owners] are openly colluding.”
Colin Kaepernick, former quarterback
The Million-Dollar Pledge and Tour Fallout
Responding to his dismissal, Macklemore announced on Instagram that he will donate his entire $1 million net earnings from the Loop Tour to six organizations supporting Palestinian relief efforts. He also challenged Kraft directly to match the contribution noted by Theguardian.
“Whatever we disagree about, perhaps we can agree on this: Palestinian lives are worth protecting. A Palestinian life is no less valuable than any other life on this earth.”
Benjamin Hammond Haggerty (Macklemore), rapper
The fallout quickly widened across the rest of Sheeran’s touring roster. Following Macklemore’s removal, all remaining opening acts for the Loop Tour—including Finneas, Aaron Rowe, Boega, and Lukas Graham—withdrew from the remaining dates in solidarity.
Cultural Shifts and Generational Divides
Analysts note that the public dispute highlights deeper generational shifts in American attitudes toward the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Macklemore noted in his social media statement that his longstanding criticisms of Israeli military action became a flashpoint primarily because of the massive mainstream exposure provided by sharing a stadium stage with one of the world’s top-selling artists.
Upcoming Tour Dates Without Opening Acts
The Loop Tour continues its scheduled stadium run without its supporting lineup.
- Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia
- Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana
- Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina
- AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas
- Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida
Ed Sheeran has not publicly commented on the tour departures, and representatives for the British singer did not immediately respond to inquiries regarding how the promoter plans to manage the remainder of the 59-date schedule.
