All of the remaining support acts on Ed Sheeran’s US tour have withdrawn after rapper Macklemore was removed from the line-up following pro-Palestinian remarks made during concerts in New Jersey. Finneas, Aaron Rowe, Lukas Graham and Irish folk band Beoga each announced that they would no longer participate.
Sheeran said on Instagram that Macklemore’s removal was not his decision. He said the promoter, Messina Touring Group, had made the call after discussions with venues, and added that he had tried to find a compromise. The singer said he did not want to abandon fans, touring staff or musicians whose livelihoods depended on the shows.
Finneas said artists should not be silenced when speaking for oppressed people. Lukas Graham said performers should be able to discuss war, civilian deaths and children affected by conflict. Rowe described the decision to leave as difficult, saying Sheeran had been a friend and had significantly helped his career.
The dispute began on 4 September, when Macklemore performed at Sheeran’s concert at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. He called for a “free Palestine”, performed his song “Hind’s Hall” and showed footage depicting devastation in Gaza. The remarks drew criticism from Jewish groups and campaigners, while Macklemore later told Jewish audience members that criticism of Israel was not criticism of them.
Macklemore said on Monday that he had been dropped from the tour. Robert Kraft, whose Massachusetts stadium had been due to host him, confirmed that he had barred the rapper, saying his venue would not provide a platform for hate speech and alleging a wider history of antisemitic rhetoric. Macklemore’s comments were also criticised by groups including the Israeli American Council and StopAntisemitism.
Sheeran said he was appalled by the suffering of Israelis and Palestinians but preferred not to use his professional platform for politics. He said his shows should be a safe space for audiences of different backgrounds, while acknowledging that artists could pursue different approaches to advocating for peace. Messina Touring Group told Rolling Stone that venues had said they would not allow Macklemore to perform, potentially putting the wider tour at risk and affecting hundreds of thousands of fans.