{
  "id": 7746919,
  "title": "Ed Sheeran's live band & all 4 openers drop out from tour in solidarity with Macklemore",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/16/ed-sheerans-live-band-all-4-openers-drop-out-from-tour-in-solidarity",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-16T09:00:04.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Mothership",
    "slug": "mothership",
    "url": "https://mothership.sg/2026/09/ed-sheerans-tour-macklemore-withdraw/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Ed Sheeran's Loop tour faced controversy after opening act Macklemore was removed following his speeches supporting Palestine. Macklemore, 43, announced on Instagram that Sheeran, 35, had removed him from the tour. In response, all four remaining opening acts and Sheeran's live band withdrew from the tour. The opening acts were Finneas, Aaron Rowe, Lukas Graham, and Beoga. Sheeran released a statement on Instagram clarifying that Macklemore's removal was the decision of the tour promoters, not his own. He stated that he respects Macklemore's stance but believes there are other ways to advocate for peace. Sheeran emphasized that he uses his platform to unite people and does not engage in political discussions during his shows, as his young audience is not expecting a political forum.",
  "summary": "Sheeran clarified that Macklemore being kicked out was the tour promoter's decision, not his.",
  "key_points": [
    "Ed Sheeran s tour drops Macklemore and all four openers in solidarity with Palestine",
    "Macklemore announced removal on Instagram, citing tour promoters decision",
    "Sheeran clarifies statement, respects Macklemore s stance but advocates for peace"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "France 24",
        "title": "Ed Sheeran's tour in trouble after Pro-Palestine acts drop out",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/16/ed-sheerans-tour-in-trouble-after-pro-palestine-acts-drop-out",
        "published": "2026-09-16T06:54:21.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}