Ed Sheeran’s North and South American tour has lost four supporting acts after they withdrew in solidarity with rapper Macklemore, who was removed from the tour following pro-Palestinian comments made onstage.
Irish artists Aaron Rowe and Beoga, Danish band Lukas Graham, and singer-producer Finneas announced that they were leaving the tour shortly after Sheeran said Macklemore’s removal had been a decision made by promoters rather than by him.
Rowe and Lukas Graham had been expected to replace Macklemore on upcoming U.S. dates, while Beoga had already been performing several songs with Sheeran during his shows. Finneas, Billie Eilish’s brother and longtime collaborator, was scheduled to join Sheeran for dates in South America later this year.
Finneas said he decided to withdraw because he believed artists should be allowed to speak publicly about Palestinians without being silenced.
Beoga and Rowe also cited their Irish backgrounds and support for Palestine when explaining their decisions.
Lukas Graham described its withdrawal as difficult while arguing that wealthy individuals should not have the power to determine which political views artists are allowed to express.
The departures followed Macklemore’s removal from the tour after he shouted “Free Palestine!” during a September 5 performance at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey while introducing his protest song “Hind’s Hall.”
Macklemore later said several U.S. venues had told the tour promoter they would not allow him to perform as an opening act.
Robert Kraft, owner of the New England Patriots and the Kraft Group, said Macklemore’s removal followed comments and past imagery that Kraft said had been offensive and hurtful to the Jewish community.
Sheeran has attempted to distance himself from the decision, saying Macklemore’s removal was made by the tour promoter and venues.
“Macklemore coming off tour was the promoter’s decision, it was not mine,” Sheeran wrote on Instagram.
Sheeran said he had spoken with venues in an effort to resolve the situation but that their decision was final.
He has also said that although he has personal views about the Israel-Gaza war, he does not want his concerts to become political forums.
Sheeran said his goal is to use music to bring people together and described his approach as one focused on diplomacy and keeping conversations open.
Macklemore had originally been scheduled to perform at eight of Sheeran’s remaining 10 stadium shows in the United States.