Ed Sheeran’s US tour has seen all its remaining support acts pull out after rapper Macklemore was removed from the lineup due to his public support for Palestine. Finneas, Irish singer-songwriter Aaron Rowe, Danish band Lukas Graham, and Irish folk group Beoga have all announced their withdrawal from the tour.

This wave of departures followed Sheeran’s clarification that Macklemore’s exit was a decision made by the tour promoter, not by him personally. Sheeran revealed he had attempted to negotiate with venues to resolve the conflict but ultimately decided to continue his own performances rather than cancel the tour.

In a statement shared on Instagram, Sheeran explained that he spent much of the week in discussions with venues seeking a compromise. He emphasized that the removal of Macklemore was the promoter’s call, distancing himself from the decision. Sheeran expressed his reluctance to disappoint fans who had planned to attend or to leave his touring crew and other artists without work.

He also voiced his deep concern over the Israel-Palestine conflict, describing the suffering on both sides as a profound human tragedy. However, Sheeran stated that he has intentionally refrained from using his professional platform to take explicit political stances. He highlighted that his concerts attract diverse audiences, including children, and he aims to keep his shows as safe spaces where open dialogue can continue. Sheeran noted that Macklemore was free to choose his own material as a support act.

Contrasting Sheeran’s position, the departing artists have emphasized the importance of artistic freedom to speak on social issues. Finneas, brother of Billie Eilish, insisted that artists should not be silenced when addressing the suffering of others. Lukas Graham stressed that musicians must be able to discuss topics such as war and civilian casualties regardless of geography or political allegiance. Aaron Rowe described his decision to leave as difficult due to his longstanding friendship with Sheeran and the opportunities the tour had provided. Beoga, who perform alongside Sheeran during his concerts, stated they could not continue appearing at venues that suppress performers advocating for Palestinians.

The controversy began after Macklemore used his tour appearances to voice pro-Palestinian views. At a September 4 show at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, he told the audience that supporting Palestinian freedom was a key reason for his participation. He performed “Hind’s Hall,” a song addressing pro-Palestinian protests at Columbia University and criticizing Israel’s military actions in Gaza, accompanied by images depicting destruction in the region.

Macklemore’s statements sparked both support and backlash. The Israeli American Council launched a petition demanding his removal from the tour, while the advocacy group StopAntisemitism accused him of promoting propaganda during the concert. Pop star Pink also shared criticism online. The following night, Macklemore addressed Jewish audience members, clarifying that opposing the Israeli government’s actions should not be equated with hostility toward Jewish people.

Israel denies allegations of genocide in Gaza, maintaining that its military campaign targets Hamas and is conducted in self-defense under international law. The conflict escalated after Hamas-led militants attacked southern Israel on October 7, 2023, killing approximately 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages, Israeli sources. Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry reports over 73,780 deaths due to Israel’s military response, figures broadly regarded as reliable by the United Nations.

Pressure from venues played a significant role in Macklemore’s removal. Robert Kraft, billionaire owner of Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts, confirmed his venue’s decision to bar the rapper, condemning what he called hate speech and accusing Macklemore of a history of antisemitic rhetoric. Kraft acknowledged the tragedy of civilian casualties but warned that focusing selectively on the conflict while ignoring Hamas’ actions risks deepening divisions.

The tour promoter, Messina Touring Group, stated that multiple venues had indicated they would not allow Macklemore to perform, threatening the continuation of the entire tour and impacting hundreds of thousands of ticket holders. The withdrawing support acts cited Kraft’s involvement among the reasons for their decisions. Lukas Graham criticized the influence of wealth on public discourse, arguing that financial power should not dictate which voices are heard.

Macklemore defended his stance, acknowledging the difficult position Sheeran faced but criticizing the singer’s public neutrality. He pointed out that speaking out can lead to significant professional repercussions, including loss of commercial opportunities and partnerships. Macklemore performed only two shows before his removal but stated that if his appearances succeeded in bringing attention back to the situation in Palestine, the experience was worthwhile.