Ed Sheeran Openers Quit After Anti-Israel Rapper Dropped From Tour

Macklemore told concertgoers that one reason he had agreed to join Sheeran’s tour was so he could say “Free Palestine” before the massive audience.

By United with Israel Staff

Ed Sheeran has lost every remaining opening act on his Loop Tour after four artists withdrew Tuesday in protest over the removal of anti-Israel rapper Macklemore.

Finneas, Lukas Graham, Beoga and Aaron Rowe each announced they would no longer perform on upcoming dates, dramatically widening a controversy that began with Macklemore’s anti-Israel rant during Sheeran’s concerts at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

Rowe had been tapped to perform at upcoming U.S. shows following Macklemore’s departure, while Finneas was scheduled to appear during the tour’s South American leg later this year.

The withdrawals came after Macklemore was removed from the tour following pressure from several stadium operators over his conduct during the New Jersey performances.

During a Sept. 4 appearance at MetLife Stadium, Macklemore told concertgoers that one reason he had agreed to join Sheeran’s tour was so he could say “Free Palestine” before the massive audience. His performance also featured images from Gaza, and he accused Israel of committing genocide.

The Israeli-American Council subsequently called for Macklemore to be removed from the tour, pointing to what it described as a years-long pattern of anti-Israel rhetoric by the rapper.

Robert Kraft, the Jewish billionaire and prominent supporter of Israel who owns the New England Patriots and Gillette Stadium, later confirmed that his venue would not host Macklemore.

“Gillette Stadium has a longstanding commitment to providing a welcoming environment for all guests and ensuring that events held at our venue do not provide a platform for hate speech,” Kraft said.

He cited Macklemore’s conduct during the MetLife performances as well as what he described as “a broader history of antisemitic rhetoric and imagery” that had been deeply offensive to Jews.

Macklemore subsequently said Kraft’s opposition had put Sheeran in a difficult position, claiming other venues were also unwilling to host shows with him on the bill.

Messina Touring Group, which promotes the tour, confirmed that venues had threatened to cancel scheduled concerts if Macklemore remained part of the lineup.

Sheeran responded publicly Tuesday, stressing that he had not personally made the decision to remove Macklemore and indicating that the dispute had placed him between the demands of venues and his responsibility to fans and tour employees.

“I would never let down the fans who had made plans, nor would I abandon the touring crew and the other support acts and musicians who rely on me for work and to make a living,” Sheeran wrote.

The British singer also addressed his reluctance to make the Gaza war a feature of his performances.

“I am appalled by the conflict between Israel and Palestine,” Sheeran wrote. “The suffering and pain caused on both sides is a human tragedy.”

“I have my personal views on the devastating conflict,” he continued. “Just because I choose not to speak publicly, it doesn’t mean I don’t have them, and it doesn’t mean I don’t care.”

His explanation was followed by the withdrawal of the tour’s other supporting performers.

Finneas, who was scheduled to join Sheeran in South America, said “artists must not be silenced when they speak up for the oppressed,” while the other acts announced their own decisions to leave the tour.

The four departures leave Sheeran without the supporting acts previously announced for his remaining shows, turning what began as a dispute over Macklemore’s performances into a much broader problem for the international tour.

Sheeran has nevertheless indicated that he intends to continue performing, citing his obligations to ticket holders as well as the large crew and other workers whose livelihoods depend on the tour.