Ed Sheeran’s tour has taken an unexpected turn after all four supporting acts withdrew following Macklemore’s removal.
The rapper was dropped after making pro-Palestine remarks during a performance. Sheeran has defended his decision to continue the tour, while saying Macklemore’s removal was not his decision.
The dispute has now widened, with every remaining supporting act announcing its withdrawal in solidarity with Macklemore.
Why Was Macklemore Removed From Ed Sheeran’s Tour?
Macklemore had joined Sheeran’s tour after approaching the singer about performing as a supporting act.
According to Sheeran, Macklemore had been given the same freedom as other supporting artists to choose his own setlist.
However, the situation changed after Macklemore spoke about Palestine during a September 4 performance in New York.
The rapper called for a “Free Palestine” and spoke about people affected by the conflict.
His comments triggered a petition calling for his removal from the tour. Venue owners also objected to Macklemore remaining on the lineup.
Sheeran said some venues threatened not to host the scheduled concerts if Macklemore continued performing.
Sheeran Says Venues Made the Final Decision
Sheeran addressed the controversy in a statement, saying he was “appalled by the conflict between Israel and Palestine”.
He also said there were “too many wars across the world” and described the suffering on both sides as a human tragedy.
“The suffering and pain caused on both sides is human tragedy,” Sheeran said.
The singer explained that he spent a week speaking with venues, promoters and activists on both sides.
He said he attempted to find a solution, “but the venues’ and promoters’ decision was final”.
Sheeran maintained that he did not want to disappoint fans or abandon the people working on his tour.
He also said Macklemore’s removal came from the promoter rather than himself.
Sheeran Keeps Politics Away From His Shows
Sheeran said his concerts are intended to remain spaces where everyone feels welcome.
He acknowledged having “personal views on the devastating conflict” but said he keeps those views separate from his professional platform.
“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,” he wrote.
Sheeran also acknowledged Macklemore’s position and said he respected the rapper’s “strength of purpose to stand up and shout for what he believes”.
However, he argued that there was “room for multiple approaches to the same end: peace”.
“If we only focus on shouting the loudest, nothing will ever change,” Sheeran said.
Four Supporting Acts Leave the Tour
The controversy soon spread beyond Macklemore, as all four remaining supporting acts announced their departures.
Finneas, Aaron Rowe, Beoga and Lukas Graham each withdrew from the tour in solidarity with Macklemore.
Finneas had been scheduled to support Sheeran during several shows in November.
“Artists must not be silenced when they speak up for the oppressed. I have decided to withdraw from my upcoming tour dates with Ed Sheeran. I stand with Palestine and its people.”
Irish singer Aaron Rowe also announced that he would no longer perform on the tour.
Rowe described Sheeran as a friend but said he could not continue participating under the circumstances.
The singer referred to Ireland’s history and said its people “know all too well about genocide, forced famine and violent occupation”.
He added:
“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. I would lose all respect for myself to carry on as normal.”
Beoga and Lukas Graham Also Withdraw
Irish folk group Beoga, which also performs as Sheeran’s live band, announced its departure as well.
The group said it remained friends with Sheeran but could not perform at venues that restricted artists from speaking about Palestine.
“As musicians, playing to [crowds as big as Sheeran’s] is the stuff of dreams, but to play in venues that silence anyone advocating for a Free Palestine is simply not an option for us.”
Danish pop group Lukas Graham also withdrew from the tour.
Lead singer Lukas Forchhammer said artists should be able to discuss war and civilian deaths regardless of where victims live.
“We should be able to speak about war, about civilians being killed, about children who deserve to grow up. Wherever they live. Whatever flag flies over them,”
Forchhammer also criticised the influence of wealth over public discussion.
“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.”
Macklemore Stands By His Palestine Comments
Macklemore has repeatedly spoken publicly in support of Palestine.
His latest controversy followed his September 4 appearance during a Sheeran concert in New York.
During the performance, he called for a “Free Palestine” before performing Hind’s Hall, his 2024 protest song.
The song pays tribute to students at Columbia University who protested against Israel’s war on Gaza.
Macklemore also used his remarks to address criticism surrounding his position.
He said he wanted his message to be loud and clear, “so the people from Gaza all the way to the occupied West Bank know that we have not forgotten them”.
Robert Kraft Becomes Part of the Dispute
Robert Kraft has emerged as a central figure in the dispute surrounding Macklemore’s removal.
Kraft, an American billionaire with ties to Israel, was among the venue owners involved in the dispute, according to Sheeran’s account.
Kraft is also an alumnus of Columbia University and previously suspended his family’s financial support for the institution.
He said he was “not comfortable supporting the university until corrective action is taken” following pro-Palestine student protests.
The controversy surrounding Macklemore has therefore extended beyond the music industry.
It has also raised questions about artists expressing political views while performing at major commercial venues.
Gaza and Regional Conflict Remain at the Centre
The dispute comes as violence and political tensions continue across the region.
According to the figures provided in the source material, Israeli forces have killed 73,786 people in Gaza since the war began in 2023.
A ceasefire has been in place since October 2025, according to the supplied report.
Lebanon has also faced military action, with Israel occupying parts of the country and nearly 9,000 people reportedly killed since 2023.
Against this backdrop, Macklemore’s comments have become the centre of a growing dispute over political expression, artistic freedom and the role of musicians on major concert stages.
For Sheeran, the controversy has now moved beyond one supporting act. All four scheduled supporting artists have withdrawn, leaving the tour without its announced opening lineup.
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