4 Opening Acts Quit Ed Sheeran Tour After Macklemore's Removal Over Pro-Palestine Remarks
Updated
Updated · NBC News · Sep 15
4 Opening Acts Quit Ed Sheeran Tour After Macklemore's Removal Over Pro-Palestine Remarks
3 articles · Updated · NBC News · Sep 15
Summary
Finneas, Aaron Rowe, Beoga and Lukas Graham all withdrew from Ed Sheeran’s upcoming tour dates on Tuesday, turning Macklemore’s removal into a broader artist boycott.
Macklemore said he was dropped after New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft called Sheeran and threatened to cancel planned shows following the rapper’s “Free Palestine” remarks and performance of “Hind’s Hall” at MetLife Stadium.
Sheeran said the decision was not his, adding that venues warned they would pull concerts if Macklemore remained and that promoter Messina Touring Group ultimately removed him from the lineup.
Kraft did not deny contacting Sheeran, saying Gillette Stadium barred Macklemore over what he called antisemitic rhetoric and imagery, while insisting the move was not meant to silence Palestinian advocacy.
The walkouts deepen backlash around Sheeran’s tour and widen a dispute over whether pro-Palestinian speech by artists is being suppressed by venue and business pressure.