<p>Several opening acts have withdrawn from singer Ed Sheeran’s tour in solidarity with rapper Macklemore, who was removed from the tour after making Pro-Palestine comments.</p>
<p>Macklemore was dropped from the remaining U.S. dates of Sheeran’s Loop tour after stating “free Palestine” onstage at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. He indicated that his removal followed pushback from New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft. Following this decision, all remaining opening acts, including Finneas, Aaron Rowe, Lukas Graham, Beoga, and the touring band, have also pulled out of the tour.</p>
<p>“It’s hard to watch families in other parts of the world burying the people they love,” Graham stated on Instagram. “We should be able to speak about war, about civilians being killed, about children who deserve to grow up. Wherever they live. Whatever flag flies over them.”</p>
<p>Graham, who grew up in a small community in Denmark, emphasized the importance of speaking one’s mind. He expressed his admiration for Sheeran, saying, “I love Ed, and I’m grateful for everything we’ve shared. That hasn’t changed. But I can’t put these words out into the world and carry on with this tour as things stand. We are withdrawing from the remaining dates.”</p>
<p>Finneas echoed similar sentiments in an Instagram post, stating, “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.”</p>
<p>Rowe, an Irish musician, remarked on the historical context of his community's experiences with oppression, saying, “I have made the decision to withdraw as a support act for Ed Sheeran’s ‘The Loop of North America Tour.’ I don’t take this decision lightly. Ed has been a friend to me and has changed my life; I could never thank him enough for this.”</p>
<p>Rowe also criticized Kraft, stating, “I cannot stand by and allow billionaires to use their position of power to silence the rightful voices of those who speak up against Israeli genocide.”</p>
<p>Sheeran responded by posting a statement on Instagram, expressing that he was “appalled by the conflict between Israel and Palestine,” and attributed the decision to remove Macklemore to promoters and venues.</p>