{
  "id": 7770668,
  "title": "Artists exit Sheeran tour in solidarity with Macklemore’s pro-Palestinian comments",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/16/artists-exit-sheeran-tour-in-solidarity-with-macklemores-pro",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-16T11:07:30.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Citizen",
    "slug": "the-citizen",
    "url": "https://www.citizen.co.za/lifestyle/entertainment/artists-exit-sheeran-tour-in-solidarity-with-macklemores-pro-palestinian-comments/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Finneas and three other artists have pulled out of British singer Ed Sheeran's \"Loop Tour\" in solidarity with rapper Macklemore's pro-Palestinian comments. Macklemore was dropped from the tour after making remarks supporting Palestinians during a performance. Sheeran stated in a lengthy Instagram post that the promoter, Messina Touring Group, ended Macklemore's contract, citing venue concerns about continuing to support him. Sheeran's touring band, Beoga, also announced they were quitting the tour, stating they were \"a traditional Irish band who never saw ourselves playing in stadiums of that size.\" Irish artist Aaron Rowe cited Ireland's history of colonization as reason for the decision, emphasizing his commitment to justice against Israeli genocide. Macklemore, known for hits like \"Thrift Shop,\" has been vocal in his support for Palestinians, releasing a song in 2024 in tribute to a young Palestinian girl killed by Israeli forces.",
  "summary": "Sheeran has denied being behind the decision to remove Macklemore, saying his tour's promoter was responsible.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 4,
    "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"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Mothership",
        "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",
        "published": "2026-09-16T09:00:04.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Daily Times",
        "title": "Gigi Hadid backs Macklemore amid Ed Sheeran tour controversy",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/16/gigi-hadid-backs-macklemore-amid-ed-sheeran-tour-controversy",
        "published": "2026-09-16T11:04:16.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}