Ed Sheeran's Loop tour has been engulfed in controversy following rapper Macklemore's removal after delivering a pro-Palestine speech at MetLife Stadium. Several artists, including Aaron Rowe and FINNEAS, subsequently withdrew from the tour in protest, with Rowe arguing that criticism should be directed towards stadium owner Robert Kraft rather than Sheeran. The incident highlights tensions between free speech, political activism, and pressure from institutional figures and lobbying groups within the music industry.

Macklemore was dropped from the shows after facing calls for his removal from figures including Pink and the Israeli American Council, with Kraft describing his comments as "deeply offensive" to the Jewish community. In response, Rowe posted a video criticising Kraft and "Zionist lobbies" whilst defending Sheeran's character, suggesting the artist had made a rushed decision under pressure. Sheeran subsequently addressed the controversy at a Philadelphia concert, acknowledging his mistakes and stating that what is happening in Gaza is "catastrophic and unjustifiable", whilst also revealing he had removed the B-stage due to safety concerns. Macklemore pledged to donate his entire £1 million earnings from the tour to Palestinian support organisations.