British singer Ed Sheeran’s ongoing North and South American tour has faced disruption after four supporting acts withdrew in protest over the removal of rapper Macklemore, who was dropped following pro-Palestinian remarks made during a recent concert. The withdrawals occurred on September 16, shortly after Sheeran attributed Macklemore’s departure to the tour’s promoters.

The artists who announced their exit include Irish acts Aaron Rowe and Beoga, the Danish band Lukas Graham, and Finneas, known both for his solo work and collaboration with sister Billie Eilish. Rowe and Lukas Graham had been slated to replace Macklemore for remaining U.S. dates, while Beoga performed alongside Sheeran on some parts of the set. Finneas was scheduled to join the tour in South America later this year.

In statements posted on social media, these artists expressed solidarity with Macklemore and condemned the decision to remove him. Finneas wrote that artists should not be silenced for speaking up for oppressed people and declared his support for Palestine. Beoga and Rowe referenced their own countries’ histories of colonialism and violence as motivating their advocacy and decision to withdraw. Lukas Graham emphasized that financial interests should not determine who can speak on sensitive issues or acknowledge suffering.

Macklemore was dropped from the “Loop Tour” after shouting “Free Palestine!” during the September 5 concert at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, while introducing his protest song “Hind’s Hall,” which honors a Palestinian child. Following the incident, some U.S. venues reportedly threatened to cancel their dates if he remained on the bill. According to Macklemore, this campaign was coordinated by Robert Kraft, owner of the New England Patriots and Gillette Stadium, where the team plays.

Kraft publicly stated that the decision to exclude Macklemore was due to his recent comments and a broader history of antisemitic rhetoric, which Kraft described as offensive and hurtful to the Jewish community. Gillette Stadium also issued a statement that it would not provide a platform for hate speech.

Sheeran clarified that the decision to remove Macklemore was made by the tour promoter, Messina Touring Group, and that he did not want to abandon his fans, crew, or other supporting artists who depend on the tour for work. He said he had engaged in extensive discussions with venues, including with Kraft, in an attempt to resolve the situation, but the final decision was beyond his control.

Sheeran emphasized his preference to avoid public political discourse related to the ongoing Gaza conflict during the tour. “Those who come to my shows do not expect a political forum,” he stated, adding that while he has personal views on the conflict, he chooses not to express them publicly. He also expressed respect for Macklemore’s “strength of purpose.”

Macklemore, known for hits such as “Thrift Shop” and “Can’t Hold Us,” has openly supported Palestinians for several years. His song “Hind’s Hall,” released in 2024, commemorates the life of a five-year-old Palestinian girl whose death drew international attention.

The tour is scheduled to resume on September 19 in Philadelphia, with remaining dates including performances at Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts, Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium, and Indianapolis’ Lucas Oil Stadium. The recent departures of supporting acts and the controversy surrounding Macklemore have added significant tension as the tour continues.