Ed Sheeran's tour in trouble after opening acts drop out in solidarity with rapper Macklemore

Ed Sheeran's North and South American tour was thrown into disarray on Tuesday (Sep 15) after four opening acts abruptly withdrew from the tour, siding with rapper Macklemore in his dispute with tour promoters. The pop sensation shared on social media that Macklemore was dropped from the Loop Tour due to his pro-Palestinian remarks during a Sep 5 performance in New Jersey, and the promoter Robert Kraft pulled him from the remaining US dates.

Four of Sheeran's supporting acts - Irish acts Aaron Rowe and Beoga, Danish band Lukas Graham, and American musician Finneas - followed suit, citing their opposition to "silencing voices of those who speak up". Rowe, speaking on Instagram, expressed solidarity with the Palestinian cause, stating that the Irish band's decision stemmed from their country's history of colonialism and violent occupation.

Lukas Graham voiced gratitude towards Sheeran but emphasized that "money doesn't give you the right to own the conversation". Finneas, brother of singer Billie Eilish, cited his stance on standing with Palestine and its people. The tour's promoter, Messina Touring Group, has yet to comment on the artists' actions.