Questions about ticket refunds are mounting after every remaining support act quit Ed Sheeran's U.S. leg of his Loop Tour after rapper Macklemore was removed. Some fans have argued they should be able to get their money back because the concert lineup has changed. Ticketmaster's policy states that ticket sales are generally final, with refunds available only in limited circumstances determined by event organizers.
SeatGeek, which is also an official ticketing partner for some tour dates, has a similar policy. Newsweek reached out to Ticketmaster, SeatGeek and Sheeran's representative via email for comment. The controversy began after Macklemore, real name Benjamin Haggerty, made pro-Palestinian remarks during two concerts in New Jersey earlier this month.
During one performance, he called for a "Free Palestine" and performed his song "Hind's Hall" while images from the war in Gaza were shown on stadium screens. After criticism from some Jewish organizations and pressure from venues, tour promoter Messina Touring Group removed Macklemore from the remaining dates. The company told Rolling Stone it had been informed that some venues would not allow the rapper to perform, which could have led to canceled shows.
"After discussions with stakeholders, Macklemore will not be performing on the remaining support dates," they told the outlet. Newsweek reached out to Messina Touring Group via Instagram on Wednesday for additional comment. "Macklemore coming off tour was the promoter's decision, it was not mine," Sheeran wrote on Instagram, adding that he would not abandon fans, crew members or other musicians who relied on the tour for work.
The singer said that while he was "appalled by the conflict between Israel and Palestine," he deliberately avoids using his concerts as a political platform. "I am not complicit," he wrote. "Just because I choose not to speak publicly, it doesn't mean I don't have [views], and it doesn't mean I don't care." Sheeran added that Macklemore had been free to choose his own setlist, as are all of his support acts.
Macklemore also released a statement on Instagram claiming that Robert Kraft, the owner of the New England Patriots and Gillette Stadium, gave Sheeran an "ultimatum." “Ed told me that Kraft said I would not be allowed to perform in his stadium,” the rapper wrote. Following Macklemore's removal, every remaining support act announced plans to leave Sheeran's tour. Among those departing was Grammy-winning producer Finneas, who said on Instagram: "Artists must not be silenced when they speak up for the oppressed.
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