ALBAWABA - Macklemore addresses Ed Sheeran controversy during Wembley concert.
Macklemore has spoken out about his highly publicised fallout with Ed Sheeran, using his latest London performance to explain why he refused to remain silent about Palestine. The American rapper addressed the controversy during a sold-out concert at OVO Arena Wembley on Friday, October 30, as he brought his 'Free Palestine' tour to an end.
Performing in front of more than 12,500 fans, Macklemore reflected on the events that led to his removal from Sheeran’s Loop Tour in September. He told the audience that staying silent had been more uncomfortable for him than speaking out.
“It was more uncomfortable for me to stay silent than to say something,” he said.
He continued by explaining that he did not consider speaking up to be an act of bravery or courage, but rather a basic human response to suffering.
“I believe that saying something is human. And those children in Gaza are our children. There is no separation,” he told the crowd.
Macklemore also thanked those who attended the concert and chose to show their support. Addressing the audience, he encouraged people to come together and remain connected through a shared sense of humanity.
The rapper also responded to criticism surrounding the London performance. Earlier, 50 members of the House of Lords had reportedly urged the government to prevent the concert from taking place. However, Macklemore made it clear that the show would continue to focus on equality and support for Palestinians.
“Regardless of what the 50 Lords have to say, this is a story of equality for all human beings around this earth,” he said.
Why Was Macklemore Removed From Ed Sheeran Tour?
Macklemore brought his Free Palestine tour to a close with a performance at London’s Wembley Arena on Friday (October 30) telling the crowd, “I don’t believe that staying silent is brave.” https://t.co/2IxXrxIpCc
The controversy began in September when Macklemore was performing as an opening act during Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
During his performance, the rapper spoke in support of Palestinians and called for a “Free Palestine” while introducing his protest song *Hind’s Hall*. He also displayed images from Gaza during the performance.
His comments sparked criticism and calls for his removal from the remaining tour dates. The situation escalated after Robert Kraft, owner of the New England Patriots and the Kraft Group, said Macklemore would not be welcome at Gillette Stadium.
Macklemore later claimed that Kraft had pressured Sheeran and other stadium owners to remove him from the tour. The rapper also described having difficult conversations with Sheeran, whom he considers a longtime friend.
Sheeran subsequently addressed the situation, explaining that the decision to remove Macklemore had been made by the tour promoter after venues threatened to cancel their shows if the rapper remained on the lineup.
The British singer also said he had tried to find a solution by speaking with the venues. He maintained that Macklemore’s contract was with the promoter, not him.
Sheeran later addressed the controversy during a September 19 concert in Philadelphia, apologising for the difficult decisions and discussing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the debate surrounding freedom of expression.
Macklemore Ends Free Palestine Tour in London
The Wembley performance marked the final stop of Macklemore’s three-date 'Free Palestine' tour, which began in Dublin on October 27 before continuing to Paris and London.
The London concert also featured several special guests, including Paloma Faith, Aja Monet, Vic Mensa, Nemahsis, Lucas Jones and Cure for Paranoia. Guest speakers included Greta Thunberg, Mark Ruffalo, Susan Sarandon, Javier Bardem, Cynthia Nixon and Julian Casablancas, with some appearing remotely.
Macklemore announced the tour after his removal from Sheeran’s shows, bringing together artists who wanted to show solidarity with Palestinians. All proceeds from the concerts in Dublin, Paris and London are intended to support organisations working with Palestinians through humanitarian relief, medical care, education and advocacy.
With his latest comments, Macklemore has once again made clear that the controversy has not changed his position. Rather than stepping away from the subject, he used the final night of his tour to repeat the message that first brought him into conflict with the organisers of Sheeran’s concerts.
Zaid Qaissieh is a passionate English news and content writer with a knack for storytelling and an eye for detail. covering a range of Entertainment topics—from breaking global news and trending entertainment stories to insightful pieces—I bring a creative edge to every article. Zaid aims to engage, inform, and inspire readers, balancing well-researched content with a fresh, accessible voice.
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