Rapper Macklemore announces 'Free Palestine' tour after Ed Sheeran fallout

September 24, 2026

Rapper Macklemore has announced a "Free Palestine" tour after being removed from Ed Sheeran's Loop Tour following pro-Palestinian statements he made during a New Jersey concert in early September. The tour, launching in Dublin in late October with additional European and US dates planned, will donate proceeds to organizations supporting Palestinians. Macklemore's removal from Sheeran's tour sparked a chain reaction, with all of Sheeran's other opening acts dropping out in solidarity and ticket prices plummeting.

Who is affected

Macklemore (rapper Benjamin Haggerty)
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran's other support acts who dropped out
Messina Touring Group (concert promoter)
Robert Kraft (billionaire stadium owner)
Organizations supporting Palestinians (who will receive tour proceeds)
Fans of Ed Sheeran's tour
Palestinians
Artists contacted by Macklemore regarding Palestinian solidarity

What action is being taken

Macklemore is launching a "Free Palestine" tour with dates in Dublin (October 26), Paris (October 29), and London (October 30)
Proceeds from the tour are going to organizations supporting Palestinians
Additional tickets are going on sale next week
US tour dates are being added

Why it matters

This controversy highlights tensions around artistic expression and advocacy for Palestinian causes, particularly regarding who controls which political messages are permitted on major platforms. The incident demonstrates the potential costs artists face for taking political stances, as well as the power dynamics between performers, promoters, and venue owners. It also reflects broader societal divisions over the Israel-Gaza conflict and questions about whether criticism of Israeli actions constitutes antisemitism versus legitimate political speech about humanitarian concerns.

What's next

The "Free Palestine" tour begins in Dublin on October 26, followed by Paris on October 29 and London on October 30
US tour dates will be added
Additional tickets go on sale next week
Several tour details are still being worked out due to the quick planning timeline

Read full article from source: BBC