Backing Out for Palestine: Ed Sheeran's US Tour Loses Supporting Acts Over Macklemore Stance

Several supporting acts—Finneas, Aaron Rowe, Beoga, and Lukas Graham—pulled out of Ed Sheeran’s US Loop Tour in solidarity with Macklemore after his pro-Palestine remarks led to his removal; the artists cited oppression and the right to speak out in their statements. Sheeran said the decision came from venues/promoters, not him, and he had tried to mediate. Robert Kraft’s involvement in pressuring venues added fuel to the controversy. The move drew praise from Palestine supporters and criticism from others, as the tour continues with remaining acts.