Artists Withdraw From Ed Sheeran’s US Tour Following Macklemore’s Pro-Palestine Removal

Multiple supporting acts and band members for English pop star Ed Sheeran’s upcoming US Loop Tour have announced their withdrawal in solidarity with rapper Macklemore, who was removed from the lineup after expressing support for Palestine.

Macklemore, whose real name is Ben Haggerty, faced backlash and was eventually dropped from the remainder of the tour after shouting “Free Palestine” and making pro-Palestine remarks during a performance at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Pressure was reportedly exerted by billionaire venue owner Robert Kraft of the Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts.

Addressing the controversy on Tuesday, Ed Sheeran stated that the decision to remove Macklemore was made by the tour's US promoter rather than himself. “I was informed that this stance was based on how Macklemore conveyed part of this message during his performance, rather than on everything that was said,” Sheeran wrote, adding that he attempted to mediate between the venues and the artist.

Following the announcement, several supporting acts confirmed they would no longer participate in the tour, which is set to begin on September 19 in Philadelphia.

American singer-songwriter Finneas took to Instagram to announce his withdrawal, stating, “Artists must not be silenced when they speak up for the oppressed. I stand with Palestine and its people.”

Irish singer Aaron Rowe also pulled out of his scheduled 10 US dates. Highlighting his Irish heritage, Rowe stated on social media that he could not continue as normal while billionaires used their power to silence voices speaking out against the conflict.

Traditional Irish band Beoga, who serve as Sheeran’s backing group, announced their departure as well, citing the silencing of Macklemore. Despite stepping away from the tour, the band noted their continued friendship with Sheeran.

Danish pop band Lukas Graham also withdrew, with lead singer Lukas Forchhammer emphasizing that money should not dictate whose suffering is acknowledged in the conversation.

The controversy began when Macklemore opened for Sheeran at the MetLife Stadium, delivering a speech advocating for Palestine, Lebanon, Cuba, the Congo, Sudan, and Iran, and performing his song “Hind’s Hall,” dedicated to five-year-old Hind Rajab.

Robert Kraft defended his stance in a statement, arguing that advocacy should not come at the expense of the Jewish community or ignore the actions of Hamas, though he did not address claims regarding lobbying other venue owners.

Reactions to the artists' withdrawals have drawn widespread support from activists and fans, while Ed Sheeran has faced criticism from various commentators over the handling of the situation.