Ed Sheeran’s opening acts have withdrawn from his US tour in solidarity with rapper Macklemore, who was removed from the lineup after making pro-Palestinian remarks during a recent concert in New Jersey.
Finneas, Aaron Rowe, Lukas Graham and Irish band Beoga announced their departures after Macklemore’s removal sparked a debate over artists speaking publicly about the war in Gaza.
Macklemore voiced support for Palestinians during his September 4 performance at MetLife Stadium, where he told the audience, “Free Palestine,” before performing his protest song Hind’s Hall.
He later said venue owners had pressured organisers over his continued participation in the tour.
Sheeran, however, said the decision was made by the promoter and venue managers, not his personal team.
“Macklemore coming off tour was the promoter’s decision, it was not mine,” Sheeran said in a statement posted on Instagram.
He said some venues had threatened to cancel shows if Macklemore remained on the tour, adding that he did not want to abandon fans, crew members and other musicians who depended on the tour for work.
Sheeran also said he had personal views on the conflict but had chosen not to use his professional platform for political advocacy.
“I am not complicit. I have my personal views on this devastating conflict. Just because I choose not to speak publicly, it doesn’t mean I don’t have them, and it doesn’t mean I don’t care,” he said.
The singer said his concerts were intended to be an inclusive space, including for young fans, and that he preferred to keep politics separate from his performances.
“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,” Sheeran said.
Finneas, the brother of singer Billie Eilish, was the first of the opening acts to withdraw, saying artists should not be silenced when speaking up for vulnerable people.
Lukas Graham frontman Lukas Forchhammer also defended the right of artists to address civilian suffering.
“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,” he wrote on Instagram.
Macklemore has defended his decision to speak about Gaza and acknowledged the pressure placed on Sheeran, his longtime friend.
Children’s educator and YouTuber Ms Rachel, whose real name is Rachel Accurso, also criticised Sheeran, arguing that he had used his platform to support Ukraine while treating support for Palestine differently