Ed Sheeran's Tour in Turmoil as Macklemore Cut and All Support Acts Exit

Ed Sheeran's North and South American tour has been thrown into disarray after the removal of rapper Macklemore as an opening act, a decision that has since prompted all of the singer's other supporting acts to withdraw.

Macklemore was cut from the Loop Tour following his onstage remarks at a Sept. 5 concert in New Jersey, where he declared "Free Palestine." He told the audience that criticism of Israel, of apartheid and of genocide was not a criticism of Jewish people, describing his message as one of peace, love and equal dignity for all.

Sheeran has said the decision to remove Macklemore was made by the promoter, not by him. In a statement posted Tuesday, he wrote that he would never let down fans who had made plans or abandon the touring crew and support acts who depend on him for work. He added that he does not use his professional platform for politics because his audience includes young people of all backgrounds, and that those attending his shows do not expect a political forum.

Macklemore has said his removal resulted from an effort led by Robert Kraft, the billionaire owner of the New England Patriots. The Kraft Group also owns Gillette Stadium, where Sheeran is due to perform later this month. Kraft said in a statement Monday that the decision stemmed from Macklemore's recent comments and what he described as a broader history of antisemitic rhetoric and imagery, adding that it was not intended to diminish the suffering of innocent Palestinians.

The fallout widened on Tuesday when the remaining supporting acts announced their departures within roughly an hour of one another. Danish band Lukas Graham and Irish singer Aaron Rowe had been lined up to replace Macklemore on the remaining U.S. dates, while Finneas was set to open four South American shows. Beoga, an Irish folk band that had performed with Sheeran during part of his set since the tour began in January in New Zealand, also left.

Several of the departing acts pointed to the influence of money. Lukas Graham wrote that wealth should not determine who gets to speak or which suffering is acknowledged. Finneas said artists must not be silenced when they speak up for the oppressed. Rowe, who called Sheeran a friend, cited Ireland's history and said he could not stand by while billionaires used their power to silence voices speaking up. Beoga described itself as committed activists for justice and said its members understood colonialism as Irish people.

Sheeran is scheduled to perform in Philadelphia on Saturday. Neither he nor Macklemore has posted since the supporting acts left, and representatives for Sheeran, the promoter Messina Touring Group and Kraft did not respond to requests for comment.