The artists who pulled out of Ed Sheeran’s tour over Palestine

What the report says

All of the support acts for Ed Sheeran’s upcoming US Loop Tour have withdrawn after rapper Macklemore was removed from the lineup over his pro-Palestinian remarks, according to Al Jazeera. The tour is due to begin on September 19 in Philadelphia, and the departures were announced on social media shortly after Sheeran addressed the dispute.

Among those stepping away are American singer-songwriter Finneas, Irish singer Aaron Rowe, Irish band Beoga and Danish band Lukas Graham. Their statements varied, but several framed the decision as a protest against what they described as silencing artists who speak about Palestine and other conflicts. Al Jazeera reported that some Irish performers also pointed to Ireland’s history of occupation and hardship.

The controversy began after Macklemore, also known as Ben Haggerty, said “Free Palestine” during a Sheeran show in New Jersey earlier this month and performed other politically charged material. He was later cut from the tour, with billionaire venue owner Robert Kraft saying his opposition was not meant to dismiss Palestinian suffering. Macklemore said he had been told Kraft opposed his appearance in the stadium and claimed pressure was brought to bear on other venues.

Sheeran said he was “appalled” by the conflict, but added that venue and promoter concerns ultimately forced Macklemore’s removal. The dispute highlights how the Israel-Gaza war continues to shape cultural events, with artists, venue owners and promoters navigating strong public pressure around political speech.