Hours following Ed Sheeran’s response to the backlash surrounding the removal of rapper Macklemore from his tour due to pro-Palestinian remarks, all remaining supporting acts have decided to withdraw from Sheeran’s tour.
In a statement on Tuesday, Sheeran expressed his dismay over the Israel-Palestine conflict, labeling the suffering on both sides as a human tragedy. However, he defended his decision not to take a public stance on the issue.
Despite attributing Macklemore’s removal to venues and promoters, Sheeran’s supporting acts including Aaron Rowe, Lukas Graham, Beoga, and Finneas have announced their departure from the tour in solidarity with Palestinians. Consequently, Sheeran’s tour is now left without any opening acts.
Reportedly, venues that followed Sheeran’s recent performances at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium threatened to cancel his shows if Macklemore, 43, was not removed as the opening act due to the content of his performance that was deemed controversial by some.
Videos from the shows, which garnered disapproval from pro-Israel groups, captured Macklemore chanting “Free Palestine” to an enthusiastic audience and expressing support for Palestinians in Gaza and the Israeli-occupied West Bank. In a speech during the second show on September 5, he addressed Jewish attendees, emphasizing that criticism of Israel and apartheid should not be misconstrued as criticism of individuals.
Sheeran clarified that the decision to remove Macklemore from the tour was made by the promoter and not himself, as Macklemore’s contract was directly with the promoter. Despite his efforts to mediate, the venues remained resolute in their stance.
Following suit, supporting acts like Aaron Rowe and Beoga expressed their reasons for stepping down from the tour, citing historical injustices and the need to advocate for justice and freedom. Lukas Graham mentioned the importance of discussing conflicts and human rights issues beyond financial considerations. Additionally, Finneas, Billie Eilish’s brother and collaborator, declared his withdrawal from the South American leg of the tour, emphasizing the importance of artists speaking up for the oppressed.
The situation has sparked discussions about the treatment of artists who address sensitive topics like Gaza, with some facing repercussions for their viewpoints. The future of Sheeran’s tour remains uncertain as it approaches its remaining U.S. dates without opening acts.