Ed Sheeran’s Americas tour in trouble as opening acts quit over Macklemore’s removal

Ed Sheeran's US stadium tour has become entangled in controversy after all of his remaining support acts and his own touring band announced their departures. The decision came days after rapper Macklemore was removed from the lineup due to his pro-Palestinian remarks during Sheeran's concerts.

Macklemore's removal was attributed to the decision made by the tour promoter and venues, not by Sheeran himself. Sheeran expressed his stance on the matter through an Instagram post, distancing himself from the decision and emphasizing that Macklemore's contract was with the promoter, not the singer.

The controversy began on September 4 when Macklemore performed at Sheeran's concert at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. During the show, he called for "Free Palestine" and performed a song criticizing Israel's military campaign in Gaza. This sparked criticism from some Jewish groups and other critics, leading to a petition calling for Macklemore's removal from the tour.

In response to the backlash, Sheeran addressed the situation in a statement, expressing his concern for the conflict between Israel and Palestine. He acknowledged Macklemore's right to express his views as an artist but explained that the decision to remove him was based on how he conveyed his message during the performances. Sheeran spoke with venues and promoters throughout the week to find a resolution, but ultimately, the decision to remove Macklemore was made by the promoters and venue managers.

Several support acts, including Finneas, Aaron Rowe, and Danish pop-rock band Lukas Graham, followed Macklemore's departure, citing concerns over the conflict and the removal of Macklemore from the tour. Beoga, an Irish folk band that had performed with Sheeran on stage during the tour, also decided to leave the remaining US Loop tour dates.

Despite the turmoil, Sheeran reiterated his commitment to using his platform for unity, joy, and love, emphasizing that his shows are about welcoming everyone and maintaining diplomacy. He expressed his personal views on the conflict while maintaining that his audience, including young people and children, expects a place of safety and sanctuary, not a political forum.