American rapper Macklemore has announced plans for a new series of concerts supporting Palestine after his removal from Ed Sheeran’s US tour following his pro-Palestinian performance.
The rapper, whose real name is Ben Haggerty, made the announcement on Instagram on Monday, revealing that he would perform in Dublin, London and Paris next month.
Macklemore joked that his “schedule freed up a bit” before unveiling what he called the “Free Palestine” tour.
He said his removal from Sheeran’s tour had raised wider questions about artists’ freedom to express political views and who gets to determine which voices are allowed on major stages.
“What happened to me is bigger than one artist or one stage,” he wrote. “When the billionaire class can decide which voices are allowed on stage and which ones are too dangerous to hear, everyone should be paying attention.”
The tour poster described the shows as featuring Macklemore “and friends”, although no other performers had been confirmed as of Monday.
The rapper said he had spent the previous week contacting other artists while trying to coordinate their schedules.
Macklemore also described what he sees as a growing shift among artists and audiences regarding the conflict and Palestinian liberation.
He wrote that there had been a “been a collective awakening around Palestinian liberation” and growing expectations for artists to engage with the issue.
“It’s 2026. Being apolitical during a genocide doesn’t work anymore,” Macklemore said. “People are asking artists to show up, educate themselves and be in community.”
He added that proceeds from the performances would be donated to organisations supporting Palestinians.
Robert Kraft’s Intervention
Macklemore announced earlier this month that he had been removed from Sheeran’s tour after claiming that US venues had given the singer an ultimatum to either drop him from the shows or face cancellations.
He alleged that New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft had “rallied” other stadium owners after objecting to his remarks supporting Palestine during a performance.
Sheeran later confirmed that Kraft was among those who contacted him after footage of Macklemore performing his anti-war song and delivering a speech at MetLife Stadium circulated online.
Macklemore had joined Sheeran’s “Loop” tour in New Jersey, where he performed “Hind’s Hall”, a song inspired by anti-war demonstrations at Columbia University in 2024.
Before performing the song, Macklemore called for a “Free Palestine” and told Jewish members of the audience that his comments about the Israeli government were not directed at them.
The performance also featured images connected to pro-Palestinian demonstrations and the situation in Gaza.
Kraft did not deny Macklemore’s claims but said Gillette Stadium, which is owned by his entertainment group, was committed to providing a welcoming environment for everyone.
He criticised Macklemore’s conduct at the New Jersey concert as well as what he described as “a broader history of antisemitic rhetoric and imagery that we believe has been deeply offensive and hurtful to the Jewish community.”
“Much of my time and attention for the last decade has been focused on the fight against antisemitism and hate of all kinds, and I feel a responsibility to stand up when I believe that line has been crossed,” Kraft said.
He added that his position was not intended to silence Palestinian advocacy or minimise the suffering of Palestinians.
Kraft’s comments also prompted renewed discussion online about a 2014 incident involving Macklemore, when the rapper wore a costume at the Grammys that was criticised for resembling antisemitic stereotypes.
Macklemore apologised after the criticism and said he had spoken with the Anti-Defamation League. The organisation accepted his apology at the time, saying it took him “at his word that he did not have any ill intent,” according to The Guardian.
Sheeran Faces Backlash
Sheeran also came under criticism over the controversy, with some people arguing that he should have taken a clearer position on the war or defended Macklemore’s right to express his views.
All of Sheeran’s opening acts and his house band subsequently withdrew from scheduled US tour dates in solidarity with Macklemore and Palestinians.
Sheeran later explained that removing Macklemore was not his decision. He said the promoters who held Macklemore’s contract made the decision while he attempted to maintain relationships with venue owners.
After performing in Philadelphia on Saturday, Sheeran addressed the controversy emotionally, saying he had never intended to become involved in political activism.
“I’ve never wanted to be an activist musician,” Sheeran said. “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 also addressed the Israel-Gaza war, acknowledging the Hamas-led October 7, 2023 attack on Israel while condemning the resulting situation in Gaza.
He described the October 7 attack as “horrific” but said the consequences in Gaza had become “catastrophic and unjustifiable and disproportionate.”
“This is a humanitarian issue and I cannot hide how I feel about it anymore,” he said.
