Ed Sheeran Tour Openers Finneas & Aaron Rowe Withdraw After Macklemore Dropped For “Free Palestine” Remarks

Finneas and Aaron Rowe have dropped out as opening acts for Ed Sheeran's North American leg of his Loop tour. This follows the dismissal of fellow supporting act Macklemore, who made pro-Palestinian remarks during Sheeran's New Jersey shows on September 4 and 5.

Finneas, brother to Billie Eilish, announced his withdrawal on Instagram, stating that artists must not be silenced when speaking up for the oppressed. He expressed his support for Palestine and its people. According to Deadline, Finneas was also set to join Sheeran on the South American portion of the tour.

Aaron Rowe also posted on Instagram, explaining that he couldn't stand by and allow billionaires to silence voices speaking up against Israeli genocide and highlighting the murder of children. He mentioned his Irish heritage and the history of colonization, and decided to withdraw as a support act for Sheeran's tour. Variety and Billboard reported that Rowe dropped out in solidarity with Macklemore and to show support for Palestine.

Brief written by urgent.news from Deadline, TheWrap, The Hollywood Reporter, Billboard, Variety — 5 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.