Macklemore’s activism began long before his pro-Palestinian plight during Ed Sheeran’s “Loop Tour.”
The musician, who’s full name is Ben Haggerty, was kicked off Sheeran’s tour following backlash from his “Free Palestine” messaging during his opening act at MetLife Stadium over the weekend.
While the fallout continues now that four supporting acts have withdrawn from the tour, Macklemore, 43, is no stranger to controversy and has often used his platform to amplify political issues.
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The artist broke into the mainstream music scene in 2012 with the release of “The Heist,” his debut studio album as the duo Macklemore & Ryan Lewis.
He faced criticism for sweeping the 2014 Grammys with four awards, which included winning the Best Rap Album Grammy over fan favorite Kendrick Lamar, who was equally nominated for seven awards that night.
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Macklemore reached out to Lamar after the show and shared a screenshot of his text on social media where he told the “Humble” rapper that he was “robbed” of the win.
“My text to Kendrick after the show. He deserved best rap album… I’m honored and completely blown away to win anything much less 4 Grammys,” Macklemore wrote. “But in that category, he should have won IMO. And that’s taking nothing away from The Heist. Just giving GKMC it’s proper respect.”
He added, “With that being said, thank you to the fans. You’re the reason we were on that stage tonight. And to play Same Love on that platform was a career highlight. The greatest honor of all. That’s what this is about. Progress and art. Thank you.”
Grammy viewers witnessed Macklemore & Ryan Lewis perform “Same Love” on stage to a mass wedding between 33 same-sex and heterosexual couples, officiated by Queen Latifah. At the end of the performance, Madonna appeared on stage for a rendition of her song, “Open Your Heart.”
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That same year, Macklemore faced backlash following an appearance with Ryan Lewis at The Museum of Pop Culture in Seattle, where he wore a black wig, beard and fake nose, which some claimed was an antisemitic costume.
The singer issued an apology shortly after and said that his costume wasn’t intended to reflect a caricature of a Jewish man, but that he was trying to disguise himself in the crowd.
“Family, friends and fans alike who know me well, know that I’m absolutely not the person described in certain headlines today,” he wrote on his website. “There is no worse feeling than being misunderstood, especially when people are hurt or offended.”
“I respect all cultures and all people,” he continued. “I would never intentionally put down anybody for the fabric that makes them who they are. I love human beings, love originality, and … happen to love a weird outfit from time to time.”
He also posted on X, “A fake witches nose, wig, and beard = random costume. Not my idea of a stereotype of anybody.”
In 2023, he was one of many who signed the Arists4Ceasefire letter in support of Palestinian rights and humanitarian aid for Gaza and the following year released “Hind’s Hall,” an anthem supporting pro-Palestinian student protestors.
During a performance at Seattle’s Palestine Will Live Forever festival, Macklemore faced heavy criticism after leading an anti-U.S. chant where he encouraged the crowd to say, “F- – – America.”
“My thoughts and feelings are not always expressed perfectly or politely,” he said on social media at the time. “Sometimes I slip up and get caught in the moment. Saturday night was one of those times.
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He added, “Unfortunately, the historic event in my hometown that brought thousands of people together to raise awareness and money for the people of Palestine has become overshadowed by two words.”
Macklemore admitted that he “lost endorsements, I’ve lost shows, I’ve lost business ties,” but that his support remained “unwavering.”
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“My intent always comes back to the pursuit of peace, love, equality and liberation for all. And that isn’t radical, it’s human. I don’t think I’m alone,” he noted.
The backlash resulted in Macklemore being dropped from the inaugural Neon City Festival in Las Vegas, Nevada.
One week after Macklemore repeatedly called to “Free Palestine” and performed “Hind’s Hall” while opening for Sheeran, the rapper was dropped from the remaining U.S. dates.
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Ed Sheeran addressed Macklemore’s removal from his U.S. tour Tuesday, saying the rapper’s departure was ultimately a decision made by the concert promoter and venues — not by him.
The “Shape of You” singer said he was “appalled” by the conflict between Israel and Palestine and described the suffering on both sides as “a human tragedy,” according to a lengthy statement shared on Instagram after Macklemore accused Sheeran and tour organizers of sidelining him over his pro-Palestinian remarks.
Sheeran said he deliberately avoided using his professional platform for politics because his audience includes young people and children from diverse backgrounds. Sheeran said concertgoers attend his shows expecting “a place of safety and sanctuary” rather than a political forum.
On Monday, Macklemore claimed that Sheeran told him Robert Kraft, the owner of the New England Patriots and Gillette Stadium, had rallied other stadium owners to oppose allowing the rapper to perform. According to his account, the venues allegedly gave Sheeran an ultimatum: “If Macklemore stays on the tour, you will not be allowed to play in our venues.”
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Following Sheeran’s note, four supporting acts withdrew from the “Loop Tour” in solidarity with Macklemore, including Irish acts Aaron Rowe and Beoga, Lukas Graham and Finneas.
Macklemore’s representatives did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.
