Ed Sheeran drops Macklemore from Loop tour after bold move

American rapper Macklemore was dropped from the remaining dates of Ed Sheeran's US Loop Tour" following an onstage "Free Palestine" chant and performance.

During an opening set for Ed Sheeran at MetLife Stadium, Macklemore wore a keffiyeh, shouted "Free Palestine," and performed his Gaza protest song, Hind's Hall.

This prompted severe criticism from groups like the Israeli-American Council, who launched a petition demanding his removal

In a detailed statement shared on Macklemore's Instagram, the rapper revealed that Robert Kraft, the billionaire owner of the New England Patriots and Gillette Stadium, led a pressure campaign against Ed Sheeran.

Kraft allegedly told Sheeran that Macklemore would be barred from performing at his stadium and rallied other venue owners to issue a collective ultimatum: drop Macklemore, or Sheeran would not be allowed to play those venues.