Four Supporting Acts Leave Ed Sheeran Tour After Macklemore Removal

Four artists withdrew from Ed Sheeran's North and South American stadium tour after the rapper Macklemore was removed for expressing pro-Palestinian views onstage. Irish acts Aaron Rowe and Beoga, Danish band Lukas Graham, and Finneas announced on Instagram that they were leaving the tour in solidarity with Macklemore.

Finneas said, "Artists must not be silenced when they speak up for the oppressed," adding that he stands with Palestine. Beoga, a founding member of the Irish Artists for Palestine movement, cited Ireland's history of colonialism and pledged continued activism. Rowe referenced Irish experiences of famine and occupation, stating he could not "stand by and allow billionaires to use their position of power to silence the rightful voices of those who speak up." Lukas Graham described the decision as difficult and warned that money should not dictate whose suffering is acknowledged.

Sheeran responded that the decision to drop Macklemore was made by the tour promoters, not by him, and said he does not want his concerts to become a political forum. He expressed respect for Macklemore's stance but emphasized his own approach of using his platform to foster a neutral space for fans.

The controversy began when Macklemore was removed after saying "Free Palestine" during a September 5 performance at MetLife Stadium. Venue owner Robert Kraft's group cited Macklemore's comments and a broader history of antisemitic rhetoric as reasons for the cancellation. Sheeran said he attempted to mediate with venues but the promoters' decision stood.

The tour, which has ten remaining dates, is set to resume on Saturday in Philadelphia, with upcoming stops at Gillette Stadium, Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium and Indianapolis' Lucas Oil Stadium.