Macklemore Launches Charity Tour After Ed Sheeran Fallout

Rapper Macklemore has announced a series of live charity performances across Europe and North America to support Palestinian humanitarian organisations.

Starting in Dublin, Ireland on 26 October, the “Free Palestine” tour will also visit France and England. Proceeds will benefit groups including Heal Palestine and Jewish Voice for Peace.

The initiative follows the musician’s removal from Ed Sheeran’s stadium shows after he expressed support for Gaza during a gig in New Jersey, New York. Stadium owner Robert Kraft subsequently barred the American artist, claiming he would not “provide a platform for hate speech.”

Macklemore condemned the decision, accusing wealthy executives of censorship and stating: “Being apolitical during a genocide doesn’t work anymore.”

The controversy triggered widespread disruptions for Sheeran’s tour. All of his remaining opening acts – including Finneas, Lukas Graham, and Aaron Rowe – withdrew in protest. Facing fan demonstrations, plummeting ticket prices, and falling social media followers, Sheeran later addressed audiences in Philadelphia to apologise for his handling of the situation.

Describing the October 7 attacks as “horrific”, Sheeran added: “What is happening in Gaza is catastrophic and unjustifiable and disproportionate.”

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