Macklemore's fallout with Ed Sheeran's US tour has taken an unexpected turn after Dearborn Mayor Abdullah Hammoud offered the rapper a free concert sponsored by the city. The invitation came shortly after Macklemore was removed from the remaining US dates of Sheeran's Loop Tour following his pro-Palestinian remarks.
Hammoud publicly invited Macklemore to perform in Dearborn after the rapper was dropped from Sheeran's remaining US shows.
'If they don't want you performing in their stadiums, you're always welcome in Dearborn,' Hammoud wrote in a social media post. He then offered a free concert sponsored by the city, adding, 'We stand with you and for a free Palestine.'
The invitation has not been confirmed as a booked performance. It remains unclear whether Macklemore has accepted the offer or whether a date, venue or event plans have been finalised.
The offer carries added significance because Dearborn has a large Arab-American and Muslim population. Hammoud is the city's first Arab-American and first Muslim mayor.
Macklemore Was Removed After Palestine Remarks
The invitation followed Macklemore's removal from Sheeran's US tour after he made pro-Palestinian comments during performances at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Macklemore said 'Free Palestine' from the stage and performed his protest song 'Hind's Hall.' He had been scheduled to appear at eight of Sheeran's remaining 10 US shows.
Tour promoter Messina Touring Group said multiple venues would not allow the shows to proceed with Macklemore on the line-up, leading to his removal from the remaining dates.
Macklemore later addressed the decision in a statement, saying he had difficult conversations with Sheeran and disputing the circumstances surrounding his removal. He also reiterated his support for Palestinians.
Ed Sheeran Says Removal Was Not His Decision
Sheeran subsequently addressed the controversy, saying Macklemore's removal was the promoter's decision, not his.
The singer said he had spent the week trying to resolve the dispute and wanted his concerts to remain inclusive spaces rather than platforms for political statements. Sheeran also said he respected Macklemore's position while maintaining that he preferred not to use his own shows for political messaging.
Other Artists Leave Sheeran's Tour
The fallout has also spread to other performers on the tour. Finneas, Lukas Graham, Aaron Rowe and Beoga withdrew from Sheeran's tour following Macklemore's removal.
Rowe and Lukas Graham were connected to the remaining North American dates, while Finneas was scheduled for later South American shows. Beoga, Sheeran's touring band, also withdrew from the tour.
Robert Kraft Dispute Adds Another Layer
The dispute also widened after Macklemore publicly claimed Robert Kraft had pressured venues over his participation. Kraft, whose Kraft Group owns Gillette Stadium, said he opposed Macklemore appearing at the venue and cited concerns over what he described as antisemitic rhetoric and imagery. He also said he remained open to speaking with the rapper.
For now, Dearborn's invitation represents the latest major reported public development, with the city offering Macklemore a potential new platform after his removal from Sheeran's remaining US tour dates.
