Macklemore has been dropped from the rest of the Ed Sheeran Loop Tour over his controversial onstage remarks about Palestine, according to Rolling Stone.
During his Sept. 4 performance, the Grammy winner told the audience that he wants the people of Gaza and "the occupied West Bank" to know "we have not forgotten them."
His comments prompted the American Israeli Council to petition for his removal from the tour. Additionally, several venues informed the tour's promoter that they would not host any concerts with Macklemore on the lineup.
Facing severe backlash, Ed Sheeran's team decided to
Macklemore Dropped From the Ed Sheeran Loop Tour
Messina Touring Group, the promoter of the US leg of Sheeran's tour, told Rolling Stone: "As the concert promoter for Ed Sheeran's US Loop Tour, we have been notified by venues on the upcoming US tour dates that they will not allow a concert to take place with Macklemore on the lineup, which would result in the cancellation of the tour and impact hundreds of thousands of fans. After discussions with stakeholders, Macklemore will not be performing on the remaining support dates."
Macklemore was scheduled to appear at eight of the 10 shows left on the US leg of Sheeran's tour, which is set to resume this Friday, Sept. 19, in Philadelphia.
The "Thrift Shop" singer has been vocal about his support of Palestine for years.
During his Sept. 5 performance at MetLife Stadium, Macklemore shouted "Free Palestine." He also addressed Jewish audience members, saying, "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."
Ed Sheeran has not announced whether a new artist will replace Macklemore on the Loop Tour. Macklemore joined the tour on Sept. 4 before being kicked off 10 days later.
Ed Sheeran's Loop Tour has 10 American dates left before heading overseas on Nov. 21, when he performs in Chile.
The "Thinking Out Loud" singer will perform in Chile, Paraguay and Brazil before concluding his tour in Mexico City.
