Macklemore has spoken out after being removed from the remaining US dates of Ed Sheeran’s Loop tour.
He revealed details of the conversations between the pair, saying he hopes their 13-year friendship can survive their disagreement over this 'one painful disagreement'.
The rapper was dropped from the tour after making pro-Palestinian comments during his two performances at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey earlier this month.
@ajplus Macklemore used his opening for Ed Sheeran to call for a free Palestine to a crowd of 80,000+ people. And he’s been speaking up for Palestine for years. The Israeli American Council launched a petition for him to be dropped from Ed Sheeran’s North American tour. #Activism #Palestine #Gaza #Macklemore #EdSheeran ♬ Breaking News - AltairMakin
Macklemore confirmed his removal in a lengthy statement shared on Instagram, beginning by making clear that he does not consider himself, Sheeran or singer Pink to be victims of the controversy.
“But before I get into it, I want to say something that should be obvious. In this moment I think it matters. I am not a victim. Ed Sheeran is not a victim. Pink is not a victim. We have careers, money, opportunities, safety and audiences around the world. Whatever consequences any of us face for what we say, we get to go home to our families.”
“The victims are the Palestinian people. The men, women and children who have been killed, starved, displaced and forced to live through unimaginable violence.”
Macklemore. Photo credit: LivHema, Shutterstock
Macklemore has been a vocal supporter of Palestinians for several years. During his first appearance on Sheeran’s tour at MetLife Stadium on 4 September, he told the crowd that one of the reasons he wanted to join the tour was to use the platform to say “Free Palestine.”
He then performed his song Hind’s Hall, while footage showing the destruction in Gaza played on the stadium screens.
The performance sparked criticism from Jewish and pro-Israel groups, including StopAntisemitism and the Israeli-American Council, which called for Macklemore to be removed from the tour.
Macklemore returned to MetLife the following night and again spoke about Palestine, while also addressing Jewish members of the audience.
“Criticism of Israel, criticism of apartheid, being against genocide in no way is a criticism of you. My message is for peace, love; for all human beings to be treated with dignity, respect and equality.”
The controversy eventually led to Macklemore being removed from the remaining US dates.
Tour promoter Messina Touring Group said venues had indicated that they would not allow Macklemore to perform, which could have resulted in the cancellation of shows and affected hundreds of thousands of fans.
Macklemore has now given his account of what happened behind the scenes, including details of his conversations with Sheeran.
“Ed is my friend. I've known him for 13 years. We've shared late nights, studio sessions and stages. He has this infectious magic about him that I've grown to love. I consider him a brother.”
“And because of that, we've had some difficult conversations this past week. The type of talks rooted in love and respect for one another that still end in a place of fundamental disagreement.”
Macklemore said Sheeran told him that Robert Kraft, owner of the New England Patriots and the Kraft Group, had contacted him about Macklemore performing at Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts.
According to Macklemore, Kraft said he would not be allowed to perform at the stadium and had spoken to other stadium owners, who gave Sheeran an ultimatum over keeping Macklemore on the tour.
Macklemore. Photo credit: L Paul Mann, Shutterstock
“Ed was in a fucked up position. He knew it. His typical apolitical stance was being challenged in a way it never had been before.”
Macklemore said Sheeran told him that the words “Free Palestine” and the Palestinian flag had been described as hurtful by people he had spoken to.
“I told him that if those words were more offensive than tens of thousands of Palestinian children being killed by Israel, then there was a fundamental disconnect between where those people stood and where I stood.”
“But he couldn't get past his public facing, ‘I don't take sides.’”
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Macklemore said he understood why some people might be reluctant to take a political position, pointing to the potential professional consequences.
“I get why people don't. 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.”
The rapper also questioned why his comments became such a major issue while performing alongside Sheeran, given that he has been making similar statements on stages around the world for almost three years.
Ed Sheeran. Photo credit: Fred Duval, Shutterstock
“What I said at MetLife I have been saying on stages around the world for almost three years. So why is it an issue now? Because now I'm sharing a stage with one of the biggest artists in the world, in some of the biggest stadiums in America.”
Macklemore suggested that his appearance on Sheeran’s tour gave the message a much larger platform.
“At a certain level of exposure, ‘Free Palestine’ becomes too much of a risk.”
The rapper has also faced accusations of antisemitism during his career, including criticism over a costume he wore in 2014. Macklemore has rejected accusations that his support for Palestinians is directed at Jewish people.
Pink. Photo credit: Fred Duval, Shutterstock
Singer Pink, who is Jewish, also became involved in the controversy after criticising Macklemore’s conduct at the MetLife shows. She later said she was not calling for him to be fired, while explaining that the political imagery and his comments had frightened her and people she loves.
Robert Kraft has separately defended the decision to prevent Macklemore from performing at Gillette Stadium, saying it followed what he described as a broader history of rhetoric and imagery that had been hurtful to the Jewish community.
Ed Sheeran has not publicly commented on Macklemore’s removal from the tour.
Macklemore. Photo credit: Lev Radin, Shutterstock
Despite the disagreement, Macklemore ended his statement by making clear that he does not want it to mark the end of his relationship with Sheeran.
“I hope this isn't the end of my relationship with Ed.”
“Thirteen years of friendship doesn't disappear because of one painful disagreement. I hope we both continue listening, studying what is happening in Palestine and wrestling with what neutrality means in a moment like this. My door will always be open to continuing that conversation.”
