By our reporter 16.9.2026
US rapper Benjamin Haggerty a.k.a Macklemore has been invited to play a free concert in Dearborn Michigan USA after he was rejected by pop star Ed Sheeran for his Loop Tour of America.
Sheeran bowed to pressure from Robert Kraft, owner of the NFL’s New England Patriots and other Jewish supporting groups to kicked out Macklemore because of his comments supporting the people of Palestine. But Dearborn known as the “American Muslim Capital” said it would be ready to host Macklemore.
According to Mayor Abdullah H Hammoud, Macklemore is always welcome to Dearborn.
“If they don’t want you performing in their stadiums, you’re always welcome in Dearborn Come put on a show here,” Hammoud wrote on X.
“We’ll make it a free concert, sponsored by the City, and help make it one of the best around. We stand with you and for a free Palestine. Let’s make it happen.”
Macklemore born Washington has never hidden his support for Palestinians. In 2024 he released Hind’s Hall a protest song in honour of a five-year-old girl, Hind Rajab, who was killed after Israeli forces fired on her family’s car in Gaza City on January 29, 2024.
Sheeran explained that Macklemore removal from his tour was not his making.
“Macklemore coming off tour was the promoter’s decision, it was not mine. Macklemore’s contract for the tour was with the promoter, not me,” he wrote.
“I would never let down the fans who had made plans, nor would I abandon the touring crew and the other support acts and musicians who rely on me for work and to make a living,” Sheeran wrote.
Meanwhile three support musicians as well as Ed Sheeran’s house band, have pulled out of the tour in support of Macklemore.
They include Aaron Rowe and Beoga and Grammy Award winner Finneas.
“We are Irish people who understand colonialism. As founding members of the Irish Artists for Palestine movement, we are committed activists for justice and will continue to be,” Beoga said on Instagram, referencing Ireland’s history.
Ed Sheeran and Macklemore...