Ed Sheeran loses all supporting acts after Macklemore is dropped over pro-Palestine stance

Sheeran addressed the mounting backlash as Finneas, Aaron Rowe, Beoga and Lukas Graham withdrew in solidarity with Macklemore.
Less than 24 hours after Macklemore was removed from the remaining dates on Ed Sheeran‘s “LOOP” tour over his public support of Palestine, Sheeran’s band, along with the other openers of the tour, have all dropped out in a show of solidarity.
Finneas, the brother of Billie Eilish; the Irish singer-songwriter Aaron Rowe; the Irish band Beoga; and the Danish band Lukas Graham all withdrew from their opening slots on the tour.
The decision to remove Macklemore at the behest of New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft called into question stadiums like AT&T Stadium in Arlington hosting Ye, who drew widespread backlash over past antisemitic comments. He apologized for those remarks, blaming them on his mental health in a letter to the Wall Street Journal.
In his own statement shared on Instagram, Sheeran said the decision to remove Macklemore from the tour was not his but that of promoter Messina Touring Group, a subsidiary of AEG. He also stated he was “appalled” by the conflict between Israel and Palestine, referring to it as a “human tragedy.”
“After Macklemore’s performances at my New Jersey shows, venues on my upcoming tour dates communicated that they would pull the shows if he was still supporting,” Sheeran wrote. “I was informed that this stance was based on how Macklemore conveyed part of his message during his performance, rather than on everything that was said. I spoke with the venues at length all week to try and build a bridge. One of those people was Robert Kraft. I was also involved in direct talks with promoters along with activists on both sides to try and find a mutual resolution for all, but the venue’s and promoter’s decision was final.”
After he came under criticism from numerous people, including children’s advocate Ms. Rachel, for his silence on the matter, Sheeran rejected the idea that he was “complicit” for not speaking out publicly. On Instagram, Ms. Rachel stated Sheeran was making a “political statement” performing a concert to support Ukraine, but “considers Palestine too dangerous and political.”
“I have my personal views on this devastating conflict,” Sheeran said. Just because I choose not to speak publicly, it doesn’t mean I don’t have them, and it doesn’t mean I don’t care. Nor does it mean I don’t support causes in my own, personal way.
“There is a reason I do not use my professional platform for politics – my audience includes young people, often children, of all backgrounds. Those who come to my shows do not expect a political forum. I respect Macklemore’s strength of purpose to stand up and shout for what he believes. However, there is room for multiple approaches to the same end: peace.”
A post shared by Ed Sheeran (@teddysphotos)
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