Backlash over the Israel-Hamas war has reached Ed Sheeran’s upcoming US tour after supporting acts including singer-songwriter Finneas, Irish trad band Beoga, and Danish group Lukas Graham withdrew in solidarity with rapper Macklemore, according to statements released by the artists. Macklemore, whose real name is Ben Haggerty, was dropped from the tour following pro-Palestinian comments made during a performance at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium, a decision attributed by tour organizers and venue pressures to statements concerning the ongoing conflict.
The Catalyst: MetLife Stadium Speech and Venue Pressure
The controversy began earlier this month when Macklemore opened for Sheeran at the MetLife Stadium. During his set, the rapper delivered a speech stating, “The people all the way in Gaza to the occupied West Bank know that we have not forgotten about them. I say free Palestine. I say free Lebanon. Free Cuba to the Congo to Sudan to Iran,” while also performing his song “Hind’s Hall,” dedicated to a five-year-old girl killed in Gaza.
The performance triggered swift opposition, prompting a petition from the Israeli-American Council to remove him from the lineup. According to Macklemore’s public statements, Sheeran informed him that Robert Kraft, the billionaire owner of Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, stated the rapper would not be allowed to perform in his venue and rallied other stadium owners to issue an ultimatum demanding his removal.
Ed Sheeran and Venue Responses
Addressing the removal on Tuesday, Sheeran stated on Instagram that he tried to broker a compromise with venues throughout the week, including Robert Kraft, but the promoter’s decision to drop Macklemore was final. “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,” Sheeran wrote, adding that the contracts for support acts are held directly with the tour promoter rather than the headliner.
Kraft defended his intervention in a separate statement, clarifying that the decision was not meant to diminish Palestinian suffering but argued that advocacy should not come at the expense of the Jewish community or ignore the actions of Hamas. Meanwhile, Sheeran maintained that he could not cancel the tour entirely because he has a responsibility to the touring crew, musicians, and fans relying on the production.
Supporting Acts Resign in Solidarity
Following the announcement of Macklemore’s expulsion, multiple scheduled opening acts and backing musicians pulled out of the North American tour, which is set to begin in Philadelphia. Finneas announced on Instagram that he was withdrawing, writing, “Artists must not be silenced when they speak up for the oppressed. I stand with Palestine and its people.”
Irish singer Aaron Rowe also cancelled his ten upcoming US dates, citing his country’s history of occupation. “As Irish people, we know all too well about genocide, forced famine and violent occupation. I cannot stand by and allow billionaires to use their position of power to silence the rightful voices,” Rowe stated on social media. Sheeran’s longtime backing band, Beoga, and Danish pop band Lukas Graham similarly announced their departures, with Lukas Forchhammer writing that money should not dictate whose suffering is acknowledged.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Macklemore dropped from Ed Sheeran’s US tour?
Macklemore was dropped from the tour following pressure from venue owners, including Gillette Stadium owner Robert Kraft, after the rapper made pro-Palestinian remarks and performed his song “Hind’s Hall” during a show at MetLife Stadium.
Which artists dropped out of Ed Sheeran’s tour?
According to their social media announcements, American singer-songwriter Finneas, Irish singer Aaron Rowe, Irish traditional band Beoga, and Danish pop band Lukas Graham have all withdrawn from the upcoming US dates.
What did Ed Sheeran say about the removal?
Sheeran stated that he attempted to negotiate a compromise with venues, but the decision to remove Macklemore ultimately came from the tour promoter and venue operators following contract and venue ultimatums.
How did Robert Kraft respond to his involvement?
Robert Kraft released a statement defending his decision to bar Macklemore from Gillette Stadium, asserting that advocacy should not come at the expense of the Jewish community or obscure the actions of Hamas, while offering to meet with the rapper in person.
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