Ed Sheeran’s tour of North and South America is facing significant backlash following the decision this week to drop Macklemore as an opener. The rapper’s removal came after his pro-Palestinian comments made on stage. Since then, all of Sheeran’s other supporting acts have also withdrawn from the tour, including a group that performs with Sheeran during part of the show.

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Macklemore Stands By Palestine & Donates $1M

As mentioned, Macklemore shouted ‘Free Palestine’ during the concert on September 5 in New Jersey.

“To all of my Jewish brothers and sisters, criticism of Israel, criticism of apartheid, being against genocide, it in no way is criticism of you,” he said during the New Jersey concert. “This message is for peace, love, for all human beings to be treated with dignity, respect, and equality.”

Following this incident, Macklemore stated that his removal from Ed Sheeran’s tour was orchestrated by Robert Kraft. Kraft is the billionaire owner of the New England Patriots and his Kraft Group also owns Gillette Stadium, where the NFL team plays and where Sheeran is scheduled to perform later this month. Other acts from the tour have implicitly cited Kraft’s involvement, criticizing the influence of money.

Meanwhile, Kraft’s representatives did not respond to AP’s emailed requests for comment on Tuesday and Wednesday. However, in a statement on Monday, he claimed that the decision to cancel Macklemore was due to the rapper’s recent comments “and a broader history of antisemitic rhetoric and imagery.”

“This decision is not about diminishing the suffering of innocent Palestinians or denying anyone the right to advocate on their behalf. Their pain and loss are real,” Kraft stated.

On Wednesday (September 16), Macklemore announced he would donate $1 million from his net earnings from the tour to six organizations aiding Palestinians. This includes the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA. He challenged Robert Kraft to match this donation.

“Whatever we disagree about, perhaps we can agree on this: Palestinian lives are worth protecting,” Macklemore wrote.

Macklemore did not address the fallout directly but expressed a desire to “bring the conversation back to where it belongs: to the Palestinian people who are still being killed, still living under military occupation, and still fighting for their freedom.”

What Did Ed Sheeran Say About Dropping Macklemore?

After Macklemore issued a lengthy statement on Monday regarding his removal from the tour, Ed Sheeran took to Instagram to share his perspective. He clarified that the decision to cut Macklemore from the Loop Tour was made by the promoter and not by him.

“Macklemore coming off tour was the promoter’s decision, it was not mine,” he wrote on Tuesday. “I would never let down the fans who had made plans, nor would I abandon the touring crew and other support acts and musicians who rely on me for work and to make a living.”

In his statement on Tuesday, Ed Sheeran emphasized that he was “not complicit” and that he held his own views regarding the war in Gaza.

“There is a reason I do not use my professional platform for politics — my audience includes young people, often children, of all backgrounds. Those who come to my show do not expect a political forum,” he wrote.

While Sheeran has not been as politically vocal as many fellow artists, he has shown support for various causes in the past. He performed at the Concert for Ukraine in 2022, which raised funds for Ukrainians affected by the Russian invasion. Additionally, he collaborated with a Ukrainian band on a charity single and has campaigned against racism in the U.K., criticizing his government for cutting arts funding.

Finneas, Lukas Graham, Aaron Rowe & Beoga All Quit The Tour

The Danish band Lukas Graham and Irish singer Aaron Rowe were set to replace Macklemore as opening acts on Ed Sheeran’s remaining U.S. tour dates. Finneas, an American singer and close collaborator with sister Billie Eilish, was scheduled to open for Sheeran on four of his South American dates. Beoga, an Irish folk band, had been performing with Sheeran since his tour began in January in New Zealand.

“Artists must not be silenced when they speak up for the oppressed,” Finneas stated.

The announcements from each supporting act came roughly within an hour of each other on Tuesday following Ed Sheeran’s statement. Rowe and Beoga referenced their country’s history as part of their explanation for their decisions.

“We are Irish people who understand colonialism. As founding members of the Irish Artists for Palestine movement, we are committed activists for justice and will continue to be,” Beoga posted.

Rowe referred to Sheeran as a friend but added that “as Irish people we know all too well about genocide, forced famine and violent occupation,” stating that he couldn’t “stand by and allow billionaires to use their position of power to silence the rightful voices of those who speak up.”

Lukas Graham also appeared to take a veiled jab at Kraft by stating: “Money doesn’t give you the right to own the conversation. Nobody’s bank balance should decide who gets to speak or which suffering we’re allowed to acknowledge.”

Meanwhile, Sheeran has not posted anything since those supporting acts withdrew from the tour. His representative did not respond to an emailed request for comment. The promoter, Messina Touring Group, also has not responded to AP requests for comment.

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