All supporting acts exit Ed Sheeran’s tour after Macklemore's removal

• Finneas, Aaron Rowe, Lukas Graham, and Beoga withdrew from Ed Sheeran's tour in solidarity with Macklemore.
• Beoga attributed Macklemore's removal to "Zionist lobbies," while Patriots owner Robert Kraft cited past antisemitic rhetoric for refusing the show.
• Performers unified against silencing speech, while Kraft publicly invited Macklemore to sit down for a discussion.

All four opening acts and the live backing band for Ed Sheeran’s global Loop tour have officially withdrawn from their scheduled appearances, escalating public backlash over the removal of rapper Macklemore following his on-stage pro-Palestine remarks.

The chain of departures culminated Tuesday afternoon when American singer-songwriter Finneas—scheduled to open six South American dates in November—announced his exit hours after Sheeran published a statement attributing Macklemore's removal to promoter and venue decisions.

"Artists must not be silenced when they speak up for the oppressed," Finneas shared on social media. "I have decided to withdraw from my upcoming tour dates with Ed Sheeran. I stand with Palestine and its people."

The controversy began following Macklemore’s September 4 performance at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, where he told the crowd: "free Palestine" and expressed solidarity with people in Gaza and the occupied West Bank.

His speech prompted an opposition petition from the Israeli American Council as well as pushback from venue owners, including billionaire Robert Kraft, owner of the New England Patriots.

Anti-silencing stances

Irish singer Aaron Rowe, who was set to open ten upcoming North American shows, was the first to announce his departure, citing historical parallels:

"As Irish people we know all too well about genocide, forced famine and violent occupation," Rowe wrote. "I cannot stand by and allow billionaires to use their position of power to silence the rightful voices of those who speak up against Israeli genocide and who highlight the savage murder of children."

Shortly after Rowe's statement, traditional Irish band Beoga—who served as Sheeran’s live backing band—announced they were stepping down from the US tour to protest the "silencing of Macklemore by zionist lobbies."

The group, who have been friends with Sheeran for over a decade, affirmed their belief in dialogue for the Palestinian cause while noting that playing in venues that silence such advocacy was "simply not an option."

Danish pop group Lukas Graham also announced their exit Tuesday afternoon.

Lead singer Lukas Forchhammer stated:

"Money doesn’t give you the right to own the conversation. Nobody’s bank balance should decide who gets to speak or which suffering we’re allowed to acknowledge."

Public figure backlash grows

The wave of exits followed Sheeran's multi-page Instagram statement explaining that venue owners, including Kraft, refused to host the tour if Macklemore remained on the lineup.

Sheeran noted he was "appalled by the conflict between Israel and Palestine" but emphasized that the decision rested solely with the promoter after his mediation efforts failed.

"Macklemore coming off tour was the promoter’s decision, it was not mine," Sheeran wrote. "I would never let down the fans who had made plans, nor would I abandon the touring crew and the other support acts and musicians who rely on me for work."

The situation has drawn widespread commentary across the entertainment industry. Children’s educator Ms. Rachel criticized Sheeran's response online, arguing he "caved to people who refuse to accept what the world knows."

Singer Kehlani expressed support for Macklemore, writing that "A LOT of the venues / owners are rallied together this way."

In his own statement on Monday, Kraft did not deny refusing to host Macklemore at Gillette Stadium, citing the artist's recent actions alongside what he described as a broader history of offensive rhetoric, while adding that he would welcome an opportunity to sit down with Macklemore to discuss peace and an end to suffering.