Rapper Macklemore has been removed as the opening act for Ed Sheeran’s upcoming US tour dates following controversy over his pro-Palestinian statements during recent performances.

Messina Touring Group, the promoter of Sheeran’s Loop tour, said it received notifications from several venues that they would not permit concerts with Macklemore on the lineup. Canceling these dates would have affected hundreds of thousands of fans, the promoter told Rolling Stone magazine.

Macklemore, whose real name is Ben Haggerty, asserted that Sheeran faced pressure from Robert Kraft, owner of Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. Kraft, who oversees the venue for two of Sheeran’s scheduled shows later this month, reportedly encouraged other stadium owners to support threats of canceling remaining concerts if Macklemore remained on the bill.

Ed Sheeran, 35, was described by Macklemore as being in a difficult position due to the mounting pressure. In an Instagram post, Macklemore said that Sheeran’s usual apolitical approach was challenged for the first time. Despite the fallout, Macklemore expressed hope that their friendship would endure and said if his removal brought attention back to the issue of Palestine, it would mark the “most successful tour” he had undertaken.

The controversy stemmed from Macklemore’s onstage remarks during two shows at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey earlier this month. At the first concert, he said “free Palestine” and performed “Hind’s Hall,” a protest song named after Hind Rajab, a five-year-old girl killed by the Israeli military. Macklemore stated his intention to use the tour to voice support for Palestine, describing the phrase “free Palestine” as deeply important to him.

He reiterated the phrase at the second show and addressed Jewish audience members, emphasizing that criticism of Israel, opposition to apartheid, or condemnation of genocide should not be equated with criticism of Jewish people.

The Israeli-American Council responded by launching a petition demanding Macklemore’s removal from the tour, accusing him of delivering an “extended political message” from the stage. The singer Pink also criticized Macklemore, accusing him of promoting “anti-Israel propaganda.” Kraft released a statement saying Gillette Stadium is committed to providing an inclusive environment and does not support what he termed “hate speech.” He said that, following Macklemore’s comments, hosting him would cross that line.

In response to the controversy, Macklemore posted a video on Instagram reaffirming his stance, saying “Wanting all humans to be treated equal should never be controversial.”

Efforts to obtain comment from Ed Sheeran were not immediately successful.