Opening Act Defends Ed Sheeran Amid 'Free Palestine' Backlash

Irish singer-songwriter Aaron Rowe has defended Ed Sheeran against backlash stemming from Macklemore's pro-Palestinian statements during Sheeran's LOOP Tour. Rowe, who was himself one of the opening acts that pulled out of the tour in solidarity with Macklemore, posted a video on Instagram Friday asserting that public anger should be directed at New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft and "Zionist lobbies" rather than Sheeran.

Macklemore was removed from the remainder of Sheeran's tour after making pro-Palestinian remarks and chanting "Free Palestine" during his opening set at MetLife Stadium earlier this month. Rowe stated that fans are focusing on the wrong person, arguing that Sheeran is being unfairly targeted.

"All I keep hearing is Ed Sheeran this, Ed Sheeran that — when you really should be focusing on the likes of Robert Kraft," Rowe said in his video. "You really should be focusing on the Zionist lobbies that are trying to silence the voices of people who are shouting about genocide, the genocide that is happening in Palestine right now by Israel."

Sheeran had previously addressed the controversy in a letter, stating that Macklemore's removal was not his decision but rather that of the promoter and pressure from Kraft, who allegedly banned Macklemore from performing at his Gillette Stadium. Rowe acknowledged that Sheeran's statement "could have been a lot better" but expressed belief that Sheeran recognizes it as a mistake. He also asserted that all artists on the tour lineup supported Palestinians.

Rowe criticized Ireland's government, the media, and the music industry for their perceived inaction, claiming they possess the power to suppress dissenting opinions. He urged the public to direct their energy toward highlighting Kraft's alleged attempts to stifle free speech and silence those speaking out against the conflict in Gaza.

The controversy has reportedly impacted ticket sales for Sheeran's recent concerts. For his Saturday performance at Philadelphia's Lincoln Financial Field, tickets were reportedly available at significantly reduced prices shortly before the show. The concert's start time was also moved back, with Sheeran now taking the stage at 8 p.m. without early opening acts, a change attributed to the difficulty in securing performers.

Macklemore's statements were made during his September 4 and 5 opening sets at MetLife Stadium. He declared that all human beings deserve freedom and expressed solidarity with the people of Gaza and the West Bank. During his performance of the song "Hind's Hall," images of devastation in Gaza were displayed on screen. A petition had called for Macklemore's removal from the tour due to his direct language and the wearing of a keffiyeh during his sets, with the Israeli-American Council advocating for his dismissal from the remaining dates.