All remaining opening acts for Ed Sheeran's tour have withdrawn, citing solidarity with Macklemore after he was removed from the tour following a "Free Palestine" speech. Finneas, Aaron Rowe, Lukas Graham, and the band Beoga announced their departures via separate statements on social media.
Macklemore himself alleged that Robert Kraft, owner of Gillette Stadium, orchestrated his removal. According to Macklemore's statement, Kraft rallied other stadium owners and issued an ultimatum: if Macklemore remained on the tour, Sheeran would not be permitted to play in their venues. Sheeran confirmed that venues threatened to pull the shows if Macklemore continued to perform.
Sheeran stated that Macklemore's contract was with the promoter, not directly with him, and that the decision to remove him was made by the promoter. He expressed a desire to find a resolution but was unsuccessful, leading to Macklemore's departure from the tour. Sheeran emphasized his commitment to not letting down fans or his touring crew.
Finneas, brother of Billie Eilish, stated, "Artists must not be silenced when they speak up for the oppressed. I have decided to withdraw from my upcoming tour dates with Ed Sheeran. I stand with Palestine and its people."
Aaron Rowe echoed this sentiment, stating, "But as Irish people, we know all too well about genocide, forced famine and violent occupation." He added, "I cannot stand by and allow billionaires to use their position of power to silence the rightful voices of those who speak up."
Lukas Graham expressed that they "should be able to speak about war, about civilians being killed, about children who deserve to grow up." The band stated, "This is a difficult decision but it’s one I need to stand by."
Beoga, who has collaborated with Sheeran on stage, announced their withdrawal, saying, "Playing to those crowds every night is the stuff of dreams but to play in venues that silence anyone advocating for a Free Palestine is simply not an option for us."
Macklemore's removal followed his performances at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, where he wore a keffiyeh and performed his song "Hind's Hall," which criticizes actions in Gaza. He told the crowd, "I want those words to be loud and clear so that people from Gaza, all the way to the occupied West Bank know that we have not forgotten them."
Kraft defended the decision, stating that Macklemore "crossed a line" and that 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." He cited Macklemore's "broader history of antisemitic rhetoric and imagery" as offensive to the Jewish community.
Sheeran, in his statement, affirmed his personal views on the conflict but explained his choice not to speak publicly, citing his audience of young people from diverse backgrounds. He stated, "my audience includes young people, often children, of all backgrounds. Those who come to my shows do not expect a political forum."
Pink also commented on the controversy by reposting an Instagram Story from StopAntisemitism, which criticized Macklemore's speech as "anti-Israel propaganda" and stated concert-goers "are owed apologies and refunds."
Macklemore previously apologized in 2014 for a stage costume that was condemned as an anti-Semitic caricature.
It remains unclear how Sheeran's tour will proceed with no opening acts scheduled for the remaining 18 dates.