The controversy began in early September, when Macklemore performed a song dedicated to pro-Palestinian protesters and referred to the death toll in Gaza as a genocide, a claim Israel rejects. The rapper also said criticism of Israel was not intended as criticism of "my Jewish brothers and sisters".

Messina Touring Group said Macklemore was dropped because some venues - such as Gillette Stadium in Boston, Massachusetts - would refuse to let the concerts take place if he performed.

Billionaire Robert Kraft who owns Gillette Stadium and the American football team the New England Patriots, confirmed he had banned Macklemore from performing during the British singer's forthcoming shows.

Kraft, who is Jewish, accused the US rapper of hate speech and said he was "only sharing selective information and ignoring the actions of Hamas".

Meanwhile, support acts including Irish singer-songwriter Aaron Rowe and Danish musician Lukas Graham and his backing band Beoga quit the tour in solidarity with Macklemore.

The artists argued his removal represented a chilling effect on free speech.

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