Ed Sheeran tour in trouble after 4 acts quit in support of Macklemore

Four supporting acts have quit Ed Sheeran's North and South American tour in solidarity with rapper Macklemore. Macklemore was removed from the tour by promoters for making pro-Palestinian comments on stage. Following Sheeran's social media post about Macklemore's removal and attributing the decision to promoters, Irish acts Aaron Rowe and Beoga, Danish band Lukas Graham, and Finneas announced their departure. Rowe and Lukas Graham were slated to replace Macklemore on remaining US dates, while Beoga performed with Sheeran. Finneas was scheduled to tour with Sheeran in South America later this year.

Ed Sheeran has stated that the promoter of his United States tour was responsible for removing Macklemore from the lineup. Sheeran explained on Instagram that venues threatened to cancel future shows if Macklemore, who had voiced support for Palestine during a performance, remained on the tour. Sheeran claimed he attempted to mediate the situation with the venues. Robert Kraft, owner of the New England Patriots, confirmed he pressured Sheeran to drop Macklemore, citing a "broader history of antisemitic rhetoric and imagery" as the reason for barring him from Gillette Stadium. Following Macklemore's removal, several supporting artists announced they were quitting Sheeran's tour in solidarity.

Ed Sheeran has responded to backlash regarding Macklemore's removal from his North American tour after the rapper's "Free Palestine" speech. Macklemore's comments at MetLife Stadium prompted venue owners, including Robert Kraft, to object to his continued participation. Messina Touring Group, the tour promoter, confirmed Macklemore's removal from eight subsequent dates. Sheeran stated that the decision was the promoter's, not his, and that he aims to use his platform to unite people and keep conversations open, rather than close them. He clarified that while he has personal views on the conflict, he chooses not to speak publicly about them. Sheeran emphasized that he did not want to let down fans or the touring crew.

Robert Kraft, owner of Gillette Stadium and the New England Patriots, confirmed he pressured Ed Sheeran to remove rapper Macklemore from his US tour. Kraft stated Macklemore's recent performances included "antisemitic rhetoric and imagery," crossing a line for his venue. Macklemore claims Kraft told him he wouldn't be allowed to perform at Gillette Stadium and had rallied other venue owners against his participation. This controversy began after Macklemore voiced support for Palestine at a prior Sheeran concert. Sheeran stated the decision to remove Macklemore was made by the venue and promoter, not himself. Kraft, a Jewish billionaire with strong pro-Israel ties, defended his actions, stating advocacy should not obscure Hamas's responsibility for suffering.

All four supporting acts for Ed Sheeran's Loop tour have withdrawn in solidarity with Macklemore, who was removed from the tour over onstage comments supporting Palestine. Finneas, Aaron Rowe, Beoga, and Lukas Graham announced their departures after Macklemore's removal, citing pressure from venue owners, including Robert Kraft, who objected to his pro-Palestine remarks. Sheeran stated that the decision to remove Macklemore was made by the promoters and venue owners, not by him, and that he was unable to find a solution. The supporting acts expressed their support for Palestine and their opposition to silencing voices that speak out against the conflict.

Ed Sheeran stated that it was not his decision to remove Macklemore from his tour. According to Sheeran, tour promoters made the decision after Macklemore made pro-Palestinian statements on stage, including dedicating his song "Hind's Hall" to protestors and condemning Israel's actions in Gaza. Macklemore had previously expressed his desire to use his platform to advocate for Palestine. Following his statements, Macklemore faced criticism online, with some groups launching petitions for his removal. The next night, Macklemore addressed the audience, clarifying that criticism of Israel is not a criticism of Jewish people.