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Ed Sheeran Faces Backlash After Support Act Controversy

Ed Sheeran's tour hits crisis after pro-Palestine rapper Macklemore is dropped, sparking backlash and internal conflict.

Editorial Desk

September 16, 2026 One Min Read

POLICY WIRE — London, United Kingdom — Ed Sheeran’s ‘Loop’ tour has faced a major setback following the removal of rapper Macklemore as a support act, leading to widespread criticism and internal turmoil within the musician’s team.

The controversy began when Macklemore, known for his vocal pro-Palestinian stance, was seen wearing a keffiyeh during a performance in New Jersey. His song ‘Hind’s Hall,’ which included visuals of Gaza’s devastation, drew immediate backlash from groups like StopAntisemitism, who accused him of promoting anti-Israel sentiment among Sheeran’s fans.

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Macklemore was subsequently removed by stadium owners, including NFL billionaire Robert Kraft, who cited concerns over the content. The rapper blamed Sheeran’s team for his dismissal, while the singer remained silent at first, attempting to avoid taking a public stance on political issues. However, this approach backfired, with Sheeran’s remaining support acts and band members refusing to continue the tour, and even Roger Waters criticizing him publicly.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)

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Editorial Desk

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