Ed Sheeran’s North and South American Loop Tour has lost several supporting acts following the removal of rapper Macklemore from its lineup. Irish artists Aaron Rowe and Beoga, Danish band Lukas Graham and US artist Finneas each announced they would withdraw from upcoming dates, according to DW.
Macklemore said he was dropped after performing his protest song “Hind’s Hall” and shouting “Free Palestine!” during a September 5 concert at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium. He said venues scheduled to host the tour had told its promoter they would not allow him to open for Sheeran. The song refers to the death of a five-year-old Palestinian girl during the Gaza war in 2024.
Sheeran said the decision was made by the tour’s promoters and not by him. He wrote that he would not abandon fans, touring crew members or other support acts who depended on the dates for work. Sheeran also said he would not take sides in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, describing his platform as a place for safety, diplomacy and open conversation.
The departing artists cited their support for Palestinians and opposition to silencing political expression. Finneas wrote on Instagram that artists should not be silenced when speaking for oppressed people and said he stood with Palestine and its people. Rowe described his withdrawal as a difficult decision despite his friendship with Sheeran, while Beoga referred to its Irish understanding of colonialism.
Lukas Graham said money should not determine who could speak or which suffering could be acknowledged. The band’s statement appeared to refer to billionaire Robert Kraft’s reported involvement in the dispute. Kraft said the decision to cancel Macklemore’s appearance followed the rapper’s recent comments and what Kraft called a broader history of antisemitic rhetoric and imagery that had offended and hurt the Jewish community.
Israeli officials have rejected accusations that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza. DW reported that the Israeli military had ordered a criminal probe into the death referenced in Macklemore’s song.