According to the BBC, all supporting acts for Ed Sheeran’s US stadium tour have withdrawn following the removal of rapper Macklemore over pro-Palestinian remarks made during a concert. Finneas, Aaron Rowe, Lukas Graham, and Beoga all exited the lineup after venue owners and tour promoters blocked Macklemore from performing.
Ed Sheeran Tour Support Acts Quit Over Macklemore Removal
The tour fallout intensified after concert organizers dropped Macklemore, whose real name is Benjamin Haggerty, following his September 4 appearance at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, according to reporting from the BBC. Haggerty told the crowd he wanted to say “two words that are extremely dear to my heart: Free Palestine” and performed his song “Hind’s Hall” while images of destruction in Gaza played on the big screen.
The performance drew immediate backlash. According to the BBC, the Israeli-American Council initiated a petition demanding the rapper’s removal, and the organization StopAntisemitism accused him of spreading propaganda. Robert Kraft, the billionaire owner of Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts, confirmed he blocked Macklemore from performing at his venue, stating he would not provide a platform for hate speech and accusing the rapper of a history of antisemitic rhetoric.
Ed Sheeran Responds to Controversy and Tour Boycotts
Ed Sheeran stated on Instagram that the decision to remove Macklemore belonged to the promoters, Messina Touring Group, and venue organizers rather than himself. The singer explained that he spent the week in discussions with venue representatives trying to find a solution, but promoters warned that keeping Macklemore on the bill would force venue cancellations that would impact hundreds of thousands of fans, as reported by Rolling Stone via the BBC.
Sheeran stated that he remains horrified by the conflict and human tragedy in Israel and Gaza, but explained that he avoids political discussions on stage to maintain a safe, neutral space for young audiences. “The people who come to my concerts do not expect a political forum,” Sheeran wrote on Instagram, adding that he respects Macklemore’s right to speak out.
Supporting Artists Issue Statements on Artistic Freedom
Despite Sheeran’s statement, supporting acts withdrew from the tour in solidarity with Macklemore. Finneas, brother of Billie Eilish, announced his exit on social media, stating that artists should not be silenced when advocating for the oppressed, according to the BBC. Irish singer-songwriter Aaron Rowe and Danish pop band Lukas Graham also pulled out of the lineup.
Lukas Graham posted on Instagram that artists must be able to speak about war and civilian casualties regardless of whose flag flies overhead, adding that bank accounts should not dictate who is allowed to speak. Irish folk group Beoga, who play with Sheeran nightly, announced their departure by stating that performing at venues that silence calls for a free Palestine is unacceptable.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Macklemore removed from Ed Sheeran’s tour?
Concert organizers and venue owners, including Gillette Stadium owner Robert Kraft, removed Macklemore after he used his stage time to call for a free Palestine and perform “Hind’s Hall.”
Which artists left the tour in response?
Finneas, Aaron Rowe, Lukas Graham, and Beoga all withdrew from their supporting slots following Macklemore’s removal.
Did Ed Sheeran make the decision to fire Macklemore?
No. According to Sheeran’s Instagram statement, the decision was made by the Messina Touring Group and venue organizers after facing intense pressure from stakeholders.
How has Israel responded to the allegations raised by artists?
The Israeli government rejects accusations of genocide, stating that its military forces operate in self-defense under international law following the October 7, 2023 attacks by Hamas.
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