All the stars who have backed Macklemore after being dropped from Ed Sheeran tour for Free Palestine speech

Macklemore has refused to let his tour removal silence him

The rapper, whose real name is Benjamin Haggerty, had been performing as the opening act on Sheeran’s Loop tour.

That changed after he used two concerts to give a 'Free Palestine' speech. The comments prompted criticism from the Israeli American Council and reportedly contributed to growing pressure surrounding Sheeran’s tour. 

The situation also became part of a very public dispute involving Pink, while billionaire businessman Robert Kraft was among those publicly campaigning against Macklemore’s involvement.

Macklemore has now confirmed that he was dropped from the tour, but has made it clear that he stands by what he said. 

In a statement shared on his Instagram account on Monday, he argued that attention should remain on the situation facing Palestinians in Gaza.

He ended the lengthy post by saying: “If those words cost me the stage, while turning the conversation back to Palestine, then it was the most successful tour I’ve ever been on.”

Sheeran faces backlash as celebrities rally around Macklemore

The decision has also put Sheeran under fire, with the singer facing a wave of criticism online over Macklemore’s removal. 

His Instagram following was also said to have fallen significantly, while Macklemore continued gaining followers.

At the same time, Macklemore’s statement attracted support from a long list of well-known names.

Greta Thunberg publicly expressed her solidarity in a comment under his post, writing: "Full solidarity and free Palestine. Artists’ very active silence in the face of injustice and genocide will not be forgotten."

Paloma Faith also praised Macklemore’s message, commenting: “You are a rare and important voice… thank you for existing…. This is so articulate and so powerful. You are a hero.”

Alyson Stoner said his actions would “reverberate”, while Kehlani claimed that many venue owners had similarly “rallied together”, adding: “Honoured to know you brother. adore you. behind you!!!!”

Support also came from Bob Vylan and Kneecap, both of whom have faced their own backlash over pro-Palestinian comments.

And they were far from the only celebrities to show their support. Nicola Coughlan, Hannah Einbinder, Rachel Zegler, Florence Pugh, Hozier, Zara Larsson, PinkPantheress, Tom Blyth, Anwar Hadid, Bella Hadid, Ms Rachel, and Rowan Blanchard were among the other famous names who liked, commented on or interacted with Macklemore’s post.