Artists Stand With Macklemore Amid Ed Sheeran Tour Controversy: ‘True Integrity’

For the two nights he made it through as an opener on Ed Sheeran ‘s Loop tour, Macklemore used his position in front of an audience of thousands to advocate for Palestinians living in Gaza, where the death toll has surpassed 73,000 as Israeli military operations continue despite an alleged ceasefire, according to the Associated Press . The rapper’s “Free Palestine” call led to his removal from the tour, a decision ultimately made by the venue owners who opposed his statements.

While he no longer has the platform afforded to him by stadium stages, Macklemore has found support in fellow artists, activists, and public figures who have taken to social media to stand by him amid the controversy.

Kehlani embraced Macklemore from a position of having similarly experienced a loss of access and opportunity. “A LOT of venues / owners are rallied together this way,” she commented on his Instagram post addressing the removal. “Honored to know you brother. Adore you. Behind you!” In 2025, Kehlani was pulled from two separate performances, one at Cornell University and the other at New York’s SummerStage , over her public support of the Palestinian people.

In response, she said at the time, “If you want to cancel me from opportunity, stand on it being because of your zionism,” adding: “I am anti-genocide, I am anti the actions of the Israeli government, I am anti an extermination of an entire people, I’m anti the bombing of innocent children, men, women. That’s what I’m anti.” Her firm stance similarly drew support from fellow artists including Vic Mensa, who penned a lengthy open letter in which he commended Kehlani for choosing “to center humanity and courage as boldly and uncompromisingly as you have.” (Humanitarian groups and a United Nations commission have said Israel’s actions in Gaza constitute a genocide. Israel and its allies, including the United States, have denied this.)

This has become a familiar occurrence. Last year, the Irish band Kneecap faced criticism for speaking in defense of the Palestinian people during their performance at Coachella. In an email to Rolling Stone at the time, band member Mo Chara explained that Kneecap have spoken “at every single gig since the band’s formation, long before October 2023 as the oppression and brutal occupation of Palestine has been ongoing for 77 years.” Beneath Macklemore’s post, Kneecap commented, “They can never silence the truth.” Editor’s picks The 250 Greatest Albums of the 21st Century So Far The 100 Best TV Episodes of All Time The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time 100 Best Movies of the 21st Century

The band also shared a photo captured backstage at a festival with the rapper. “All love and solidarity to Macklemore,” they said.