{
  "id": 7626923,
  "title": "Macklemore controversy update: Finneas, Aaron Rowe, Beoga exit tour; Ed Sheeran speaks out, Robert Kraft defends ban",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/15/macklemore-controversy-update-finneas-aaron-rowe-beoga-exit-tour-ed",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-15T20:30:04.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Hindustan Times - World News",
    "slug": "hindustan-times-world-news",
    "url": "https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/us-news/macklemore-controversy-update-finneas-aaron-rowe-beoga-exit-tour-ed-sheeran-speaks-out-robert-kraft-defends-ban-101789501779891.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Macklemore was removed from Ed Sheeran's opening slot on his Loop tour due to his support for Palestine during an onstage speech. Aaron Rowe, Finneas, and Irish band Beoga also withdrew as support acts, standing in solidarity with Macklemore. Ed Sheeran addressed the situation, stating that the decision to remove Macklemore was not his, but rather that of promoters and venues. Sheeran expressed his personal views on the conflict while maintaining that his shows should remain a safe space for all attendees, including young people. The controversy began when Macklemore opened a show at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey with a message of support for Palestine. He faced backlash, leading to a petition calling for his removal from the tour. Macklemore defended his stance, stating that free speech should never be controversial. Robert Kraft, owner of Gillette Stadium, also defended his decision to ban Macklemore from performing there, citing offensive content and hurtful imagery.",
  "summary": "Macklemore opened a Ed Sheeran show at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey with a speech about Palestine. The remarks drew backlash and he was removed from the tour.",
  "key_points": [
    "Macklemore removed from Ed Sheeran's tour over Palestine support",
    "Aaron Rowe, Finneas, Beoga withdraw as support acts in solidarity",
    "Ed Sheeran defends tour safety while stating personal views on conflict"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Sky News",
        "title": "Support artists pull out of Ed Sheeran tour over Palestine row",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/15/support-artists-pull-out-of-ed-sheeran-tour-over-palestine-row",
        "published": "2026-09-15T15:26:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}