Support acts leave Ed Sheeran’s US tour after Macklemore removal

All remaining support acts on Ed Sheeran’s upcoming US tour have withdrawn after promoter Messina Touring Group removed Macklemore from the line-up following the rapper’s pro-Palestinian remarks on stage.

Finneas said artists should not be silenced when speaking up for oppressed people. Lukas Graham, Aaron Rowe and Beoga also announced their departures, with several citing the dispute over Macklemore’s removal.

The controversy began on 4 September, when Macklemore said “Free Palestine” during a concert at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey and performed Hind’s Hall, accompanied by footage depicting devastation in Gaza.

The Israeli American Council launched a petition seeking his removal, while StopAntisemitism criticised the performance. Venue owner Robert Kraft later said his venue would not provide Macklemore a platform, alleging a broader history of antisemitic rhetoric. Kraft’s claims are disputed by Macklemore, who said the boycott had been organised against him.

Messina Touring Group said venues had told it they would not allow Macklemore to perform, while Sheeran said the decision was made by the promoter, not him. Sheeran said he had spoken with venues “at length” to try to “build a bridge”, but had chosen to keep his professional platform politically neutral.

Macklemore criticised Sheeran for not taking a public stance, while Sheeran said he was appalled by the Israel-Palestine conflict and believed there was room for different approaches to advocacy. The full reasons for each support act’s withdrawal have not been detailed.