Macklemore announces 'Free Palestine' tour after Ed Sheeran removal

Macklemore announced a “Free Palestine” tour after being removed as an opening act on Ed Sheeran’s U.S. tour following his pro-Palestinian remarks at a performance. The tour is set to include shows in Dublin, Paris and London, with additional artists and U.S. dates to be announced; proceeds will go to organizations supporting Palestinians. Macklemore said the dispute raised broader concerns about powerful venue owners influencing which artists can speak onstage. Sheeran said tour organizers made the decision to remove Macklemore and that he had tried to find a resolution; he also criticized Israel’s treatment of Gaza residents. Israeli officials reject claims that their actions in Gaza amount to genocide, saying they are acting in self-defense.