NEW YORK (AP) — Ed Sheeran's tour of North and South America faced significant changes on Tuesday when four supporting acts announced their departure in support of rapper Macklemore, who was removed from the tour after making pro-Palestinian comments during a performance.
Following Sheeran's social media post regarding Macklemore's removal, which he attributed to the tour's promoters, artists Aaron Rowe and Beoga from Ireland, the Danish band Lukas Graham, and Finneas, announced their exit from the tour via Instagram.
Rowe and Lukas Graham were set to replace Macklemore for the remaining U.S. dates, while Beoga had been performing several songs with Sheeran. Finneas, known for his collaboration with Billie Eilish, was scheduled to join Sheeran in South America later this year.
In his Instagram post, Finneas stated, "Artists must not be silenced when they speak up for the oppressed. I have decided to withdraw from my upcoming tour dates with Ed Sheeran. I stand with Palestine and its people."
The decisions by these artists put pressure on Sheeran, who has sought to avoid political discussions, emphasizing that his fans attend his concerts for entertainment rather than political discourse.
Rowe and Beoga referenced their Irish heritage in their statements. Beoga mentioned their commitment to activism, stating, "We are Irish people who understand colonialism. As founding members of the Irish Artists for Palestine movement, we are committed activists for justice and will continue to be." Rowe expressed admiration for Sheeran but emphasized his stance against oppression, saying, "I couldn't stand by and allow billionaires to use their position of power to silence the rightful voices of those who speak up."
Lukas Graham expressed gratitude to Sheeran, calling their decision difficult. They stated, "Money doesn't give you the right to own the conversation. Nobody's bank balance should decide who gets to speak or which suffering we're allowed to acknowledge," seemingly referencing billionaire Robert Kraft's involvement in Macklemore's removal.
Emails seeking comment were sent to Sheeran and the tour's promoter, the Messina Touring Group.
Sheeran clarified that the decision to drop Macklemore was made by the promoters, stating, "Macklemore coming off tour was the promoter's decision, it was not mine. I would never let down the fans who had made plans, nor would I abandon the touring crew and the other support acts and musicians who rely on me for work and to make a living."
Macklemore was removed from the tour after he shouted "Free Palestine!" during a performance at MetLife Stadium on September 5 while introducing his protest song "Hind's Hall." He later commented on Instagram that several U.S. venues informed the promoter they would not allow him to perform as Sheeran's opening act due to his comments, which were reportedly influenced by Kraft, the owner of the New England Patriots and Gillette Stadium.
Kraft stated that the decision to cancel Macklemore was based on his recent comments and a broader history of rhetoric deemed offensive to the Jewish community.
A growing number of organizations and experts have characterized Israel's actions in Gaza as genocide, a claim that Israel denies.
Macklemore was scheduled to perform at eight of the ten remaining shows on Sheeran's stadium tour, which is set to resume Saturday in Philadelphia, with upcoming stops at Gillette Stadium, Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium, and Indianapolis' Lucas Oil Stadium.
Sheeran mentioned that he had been in discussions with the venues throughout the week in an attempt to find a resolution, but noted that the promoter's decision was final. He stated that while he has personal views on the conflict, he prefers not to engage in public discussions about it, as his fans do not expect political discourse at his concerts.
Sheeran expressed respect for Macklemore's commitment to his beliefs, stating, "I respect Macklemore's strength of purpose to stand up and shout for what he believes. However, there is room for multiple approaches to the same end: peace. I choose to use my fame and platform to be a place of safety and sanctuary, to maintain diplomacy and keep conversations open, not closed."