Unpacking the 12 days that threw Ed Sheeran's tour into chaos

Ed Sheeran's North and South American tour faced turmoil on Tuesday as four opening acts withdrew in solidarity with rapper Macklemore. The disputes arose following Macklemore's removal from the tour for making pro-Palestinian remarks during a recent performance. The four departing acts included Irish bands Aaron Rowe and Beoga, the Danish group Lukas Graham, and musician Finneas, who is Billie Eilish's brother and collaborator.

Rowe and Lukas Graham were set to replace Macklemore on the remaining U.S. dates of Sheeran's tour, while Beoga had been performing with Sheeran during the middle of each set. Finneas expressed his decision, stating that "artists must not be silenced when they speak up for the oppressed" and that he stands with Palestine and its people.

The artists' decisions put immense pressure on Sheeran, who had previously avoided politics, arguing that his fans attend his concerts for entertainment, not political discourse. Rowe and Beoga cited their country's history in their explanations for leaving the tour. Lukas Graham expressed gratitude to Sheeran but called the decision a "difficult one" and blamed billionaire Robert Kraft's role in Macklemore's removal from the tour.

Sheeran confirmed that the decision to drop Macklemore was made by the promoters alone and expressed his refusal to engage in public discussions about the Israel-Gaza conflict.