Ed Sheeran faces backlash after Macklemore’s tour removal

Controversy is growing around Ed Sheeran and his US Loop Tour after all of the supporting artists reportedly withdrew within hours in solidarity with Macklemore.

The Seattle rapper was removed from the next eight US dates, where he had originally been scheduled to appear as a special guest, after drawing criticism from pro-Israel groups and public figures.

During the first two concerts of the tour in New Jersey, Macklemore referred to Palestinian victims of Israeli military operations in the Gaza Strip and chanted “Free Palestine,” CE Report quotes ANSA.

Macklemore’s removal sparked protests in the United States, the United Kingdom and elsewhere, as well as widespread criticism online. Promoters were accused of censorship, while Sheeran faced accusations of inconsistency.

The decision was followed by a wave of withdrawals from other musicians scheduled to perform alongside Sheeran.

Irish singer-songwriter Aaron Rowe was reportedly the first to pull out, saying on social media that he could not accept what he described as an attack on Macklemore’s freedom of expression. He ended his message with the words “Free Palestine.”

Finneas O’Connell, Billie Eilish’s brother and longtime collaborator, followed, saying that “artists must not be silenced when they speak on behalf of the oppressed.”

Danish group Lukas Graham and Beoga also reportedly withdrew. Beoga, who have performed with Sheeran for years, cited their Irish heritage in expressing solidarity with Palestinians, referring to Ireland’s historical experience of colonialism, British rule and famine.

Macklemore has alleged in recent days that he was removed from the tour following complaints over his pro-Palestinian statements from groups including the American-Israeli Council and public figures including Pink.

He also alleged that pressure came from American billionaire Robert Kraft, owner of Gillette Stadium and the New England Patriots, who has ties to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump. According to Macklemore’s account, Kraft threatened to boycott the show at his stadium and encourage other stadium owners to do the same unless the rapper was removed from the tour.

Sheeran, for his part, denied being “complicit” in the decision, which he attributed to the tour organizers. He did not, however, deny that he had personally faced pressure from Kraft. Sheeran has described himself as “apolitical,” although he has previously spoken out on political issues, including Russia’s war against Ukraine.

Sheeran has also faced criticism from figures on the British pacifist left and from US Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. She described the situation as “censorship and a threat to artistic freedom and freedom of speech,” adding that she would be ready to “turn off the radio” the next time she heard an Ed Sheeran song.

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