Macklemore has been removed from the remaining US dates of Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour after several venues reportedly objected to the rapper remaining on the line-up following his onstage statements in support of Palestinians.

Promoter Messina Touring Group confirmed the decision, saying it had been notified by venues that concerts would not be allowed to proceed with Macklemore on the bill. The promoter said keeping him on the line-up could therefore result in tour cancellations affecting hundreds of thousands of fans.

Macklemore had been scheduled to support Sheeran at eight of the remaining 10 US shows.

The decision follows Macklemore’s appearances at MetLife Stadium earlier this month, where he called for a “Free Palestine”, expressed solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank and performed his protest track ‘Hind’s Hall’.

In his own statement, Macklemore claimed Robert Kraft, owner of Gillette Stadium and the New England Patriots, had objected to his appearance and encouraged other stadium owners to do the same. Representatives for several of the venues had not publicly detailed their reasons for the decision.

Robert Kraft

Robert Kraft Photo credit: Mike Christy/Getty Images

The performances drew criticism from pro-Israel organisations, while Macklemore maintained that his position was centred on Palestinian rights and peace rather than hostility towards Jewish people.

He also described Ed Sheeran as a friend, acknowledging that the singer had been placed in a difficult position by the dispute.

Sheeran’s North American Loop Tour is scheduled to continue without Macklemore, with Lukas Graham and Aaron Rowe remaining among the supporting acts.

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