Ed Sheeran Tour in Crisis as Openers Quit After Macklemore's Palestine Removal
- Macklemore was dropped from Ed Sheeran's US tour dates after making pro-Palestinian remarks during shows in New Jersey
- Billionaire Robert Kraft, owner of the New England Patriots, moved to bar Macklemore from performing at Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts
- Finneas, Aaron Rowe, Beoga and Lukas Graham all pulled out of their opening slots on the tour in solidarity
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Ed Sheeran's ongoing tour has been thrown into turmoil after rapper Macklemore was removed from the US leg of the shows, triggering a chain reaction that saw every remaining support act walk off the tour in protest.
The controversy began after Macklemore, who rose to global fame with his 2012 hit "Thrift Shop," made pro-Palestinian statements from the stage during performances in New Jersey. Robert Kraft, the billionaire owner of the NFL's New England Patriots, subsequently announced he would not permit Macklemore to perform at Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts. Macklemore then confirmed he had been removed from the remainder of Sheeran's American tour entirely.
Openers Walk Out in Solidarity
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The fallout escalated sharply on Tuesday when multiple artists on the bill chose to stand with Macklemore rather than continue with the tour. Producer and Billie Eilish's brother Finneas, Irish singer-songwriter Aaron Rowe, Irish traditional band Beoga, and Danish pop act Lukas Graham all announced their withdrawal from their respective opening slots. Each cited solidarity with Macklemore and support for the Palestinian people as their reason for stepping away.
Macklemore has been a vocal advocate for Palestinian rights since Israel launched its military campaign in Gaza following the October 7 attacks, and his removal has sparked fierce debate about whether artists are being penalised for their political views.
Mzansi and Global Fans React
The CNN International post reporting on the crisis drew strong reactions online, with many rallying behind the artists who chose to withdraw.
@Multiverse78615 wrote: "Amazing! We'll remember the artists who stood by their principles. Let's support them by streaming their music and showing up for their work. It's time to stop allowing unfair double standards in the industry. Too often, artists are punished or pushed aside for speaking honestly."
@zfale was scathing towards Sheeran: "What Ed did is unforgivable. He is a coward with no principles, decency, or morals. All for the sake of filthy money. Apparently, it's never enough."
@fish368281 added: "Serves him right all the man said was free Palestine and they fired him, ed should have had the DECENY to stand up for Macklemore."
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Source: Briefly News
