Macklemore’s Gaza Speech Sparks Controversy During Ed Sheeran Tour Stop
Seattle rapper Macklemore delivered a speech advocating for peace and an end to the genocide in Gaza during his opening set for Ed Sheeran in New Jersey, which subsequently led to controversy and calls for his removal from tour.

Seattle Tacoma, WA, September 9, 2026 —
During a recent opening performance for musician Ed Sheeran in New Jersey, rapper Macklemore delivered a speech addressing the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The artist, known for his work as part of the duo Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, advocated for peace and called for an end to what he described as genocide in Gaza.
The speech, which occurred during Macklemore’s set as the opening act for Sheeran’s concert, has reportedly generated significant controversy. While the exact date of the performance was not provided in the summary, the event took place in New Jersey.
Following Macklemore’s remarks, there were subsequent reactions that included controversy and calls for the rapper’s removal from the tour. Specific details regarding the nature of the controversy or the individuals or groups making these calls were not provided. The summary also did not include information on any official response from tour organizers, Ed Sheeran’s representatives, or Macklemore’s team regarding the controversy or the calls for his removal.
The content of Macklemore’s message focused on advocating for peace and addressing the situation in Gaza. No further details were available regarding the specific duration of the speech, the context within his performance, or the precise phrasing used beyond the general description provided.
Further information regarding the timeline of events, the specific venue in New Jersey, and any subsequent developments or resolutions to the controversy were not included in the available summary. The outcome of the calls for his removal from the tour remains unstated.
Story summarized from the original created by Audrey Vann on www.thestranger.com, see more information here.
