{
  "id": 7667651,
  "title": "Supporting acts pull out of Ed Sheeran's tour over dropping Macklemore",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/16/supporting-acts-pull-out-of-ed-sheerans-tour-over-dropping-macklemore",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-16T00:34:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "DW English (Top Stories)",
    "slug": "dw-english-top-stories",
    "url": "https://www.dw.com/en/supporting-acts-pull-out-of-ed-sheeran-s-tour-over-dropping-macklemore/a-79284880?maca=en-rss-en-top-1022-xml-mrss"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Ed Sheeran's North and South American tour leg was disrupted on Tuesday as his supporting acts began dropping out in response to the removal of rapper Macklemore from the lineup. Macklemore cited his pro-Palestinian stance as the reason for his exclusion, but sheered distanced himself from the decision, stating that it was made by the tour promoters.\n\nIn reaction, Irish artist Aaron Rowe and folk band Beoga announced they were leaving the tour. Beoga, drawing on their Irish background, emphasized their understanding of colonialism and the importance of acknowledging historical injustices. Lukas Graham, the Danish band, also revealed the decision was a difficult one for them, with the band stating that money should not dictate who gets to speak or which suffering is acknowledged.\n\nUS artist Finneas, brother of Billie Eilish, also pulled out of the tour, posting on Instagram that artists should not be silenced when they speak up for the oppressed. He expressed his support for Palestine and his decision to withdraw from the tour.\n\nAs the controversy unfolded, Macklemore emphasized that criticism of Israel or its actions does not equate to criticism of Jewish individuals. He reiterated his stance on the importance of free speech and freedom of expression.\n\nSheeran, for his part, focused on distancing himself from the decision, stating that Macklemore's removal was the promoters' decision and not his own. He reiterated his desire to maintain diplomacy and keep conversations open, without taking sides in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Despite the turmoil, Sheeran assured his fans that he would not abandon his touring crew or the artists who rely on him for work and livelihood.",
  "summary": "Macklemore was dropped over his pro-Palestinian stance, amid accusations of antisemitism. Sheeran said removing the artist was not his decision but that of the tour's promoters.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 10,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Al-Monitor",
        "title": "Ed Sheeran says dropping Macklemore from US concert tour was not his decision",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/15/ed-sheeran-says-dropping-macklemore-from-us-concert-tour-was-not-his",
        "published": "2026-09-15T21:46:31.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "The Times of Israel",
        "title": "Ed Sheeran’s Americas tour in trouble as opening acts quit over Macklemore’s removal",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/15/ed-sheerans-americas-tour-in-trouble-as-opening-acts-quit-over",
        "published": "2026-09-15T23:11:42.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "ABC News AU",
        "title": "Ed Sheeran's support acts quit US tour after Macklemore dropped",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/15/ed-sheerans-support-acts-quit-us-tour-after-macklemore-dropped",
        "published": "2026-09-15T23:43:41.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Channel News Asia",
        "title": "Ed Sheeran denies being behind Macklemore removal from US tour",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/15/ed-sheeran-denies-being-behind-macklemore-removal-from-us-tour",
        "published": "2026-09-15T23:53:00.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "CBS News",
        "title": "Ed Sheeran breaks silence after Macklemore dropped from tour",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/15/ed-sheeran-breaks-silence-after-macklemore-dropped-from-tour",
        "published": "2026-09-15T23:56:00.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Toronto Sun",
        "title": "Ed Sheeran’s opening acts pull out of tour after Macklemore dumped",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/16/ed-sheerans-opening-acts-pull-out-of-tour-after-macklemore-dumped",
        "published": "2026-09-16T00:11:33.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Middle East Eye",
        "title": "All supporting acts quit Ed Sheeran tour in protest of Macklemore’s removal",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/16/all-supporting-acts-quit-ed-sheeran-tour-in-protest-of-macklemores",
        "published": "2026-09-16T00:23:02.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "DW News",
        "title": "Supporting acts pull out of Ed Sheeran's tour over dropping Macklemore",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/16/supporting-acts-pull-out-of-ed-sheerans-tour-over-dropping-macklemore-7670205",
        "published": "2026-09-16T00:34:00.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Malay Mail",
        "title": "Ed Sheeran says Macklemore tour exit wasn’t his call after ‘Free Palestine’ remarks",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/16/ed-sheeran-says-macklemore-tour-exit-wasnt-his-call-after-free",
        "published": "2026-09-16T00:56:55.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}