Ed Sheeran support acts, including Finneas, quit US tour after Macklemore removal

All remaining support acts on Ed Sheeran's US tour have withdrawn from the tour after rapper Macklemore was removed from the lineup following pro-Palestinian comments he made during a concert, according to statements from the artists.

The dispute began after Macklemore, whose real name is Benjamin Haggerty, called for a "Free Palestine" during a 4 September performance at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. He also performed his song "Hind's Hall", which honours pro-Palestinian student protesters at Columbia University and criticises Israeli military action, while video footage depicting devastation in Gaza was shown, says the BBC.

The following evening, Macklemore addressed Jewish audience members and said his criticism of Israel, apartheid or genocide was not intended as a criticism of Jewish people.

His performances prompted backlash, including a petition from the Israeli American Council and criticism from StopAntisemitism, which was reposted by singer Pink.

Robert Kraft, billionaire owner of Gillette Stadium, also opposed Macklemore's performances and barred him from appearing at his venue, citing concerns over hate speech and antisemitic rhetoric.

Tour promoter Messina Touring Group subsequently removed Macklemore from the tour after several venues threatened to cancel his appearances, according to the information provided.

Sheeran said on Instagram that the decision to remove Macklemore was made by the promoter rather than by him. He said he had spent the week negotiating with venues in an effort to find a compromise.

Sheeran has said he deliberately keeps political issues off his stage, describing his concerts as a "place of safety and sanctuary" for fans of all backgrounds, particularly children.

He said he was appalled by the suffering on both sides of the conflict but preferred to support causes privately.

His explanation did not prevent the remaining support acts from leaving the tour.

Musician Finneas, Danish band Lukas Graham, Irish singer-songwriter Aaron Rowe and Irish folk band Beoga, who perform with Sheeran nightly, all announced their departures.

Finneas said that "artists must not be silenced when they speak up for the oppressed".

Lukas Graham criticised the influence of venue owners, writing that "nobody's bank balance should decide who gets to speak or which suffering we're allowed to acknowledge".

Beoga said performing at venues that silence advocates for a Free Palestine was "simply not an option".

Rowe said leaving was a painful decision because of his friendship with Sheeran, but that he felt compelled to step down.

Macklemore praised the artists who left the tour. He said that taking a stand had cost him sponsors and relationships but that "there is no neutral position between the oppressor and the oppressed".

He added that if his actions kept attention on Palestine, it was "the most successful tour I've ever been on".