Rapper Macklemore is speaking out after being removed from the remaining U.S. dates of Ed Sheeran's Loop Tour, a decision that followed days of backlash over pro-Palestinian remarks he made onstage. In a lengthy Instagram statement, the rapper pointed to New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft as the driving force behind his exit, alleging Kraft pressured other stadium owners into refusing to host him, rather than attributing the decision solely to Sheeran or to Pink, who had separately criticized his comments. "I'm not sure how to start this.
So I'm going to speak from the heart and share the truth. Ed Sheeran and his team have made the decision to remove me from The Loop tour," Macklemore wrote. Macklemore, whose legal name is Ben Haggerty, said Sheeran told him Kraft had called to say he would be barred from Gillette Stadium, which Kraft's company owns and where the tour is set to stop later this month, and that Kraft had then brought other stadium owners into an ultimatum against keeping Haggerty on the bill.
"Ed told me that Kraft said I would not be allowed to perform in his stadium. Ed also told me that Kraft had rallied some of the other stadium owners and collectively they gave him an ultimatum: if Macklemore stays on the tour, you will not be allowed to play in our venues," he wrote. Macklemore also detailed private talks with Sheeran, calling him a 13-year friend.
He said Sheeran cited feedback that the words "Free Palestine" and the Palestinian flag had upset people he'd spoken with, while publicly maintaining a neutral stance. Macklemore said he pushed back on that neutrality and clarified he does not view himself, Sheeran or Pink as victims in the dispute, while expressing hope the friendship endures. "I hope this isn't the end of my relationship with Ed.
Thirteen years of friendship doesn't disappear because of one painful disagreement," he added. Newsweek reached out to Kraft for comment on Monday. But before I get into it, I want to say something that should be obvious.
In this moment I think it matters. Ed Sheeran is not a victim. We have careers, money, opportunities, safety and audiences around the world.
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