Published 51 minutes ago • loading... • Updated 50 minutes ago
3 supporting acts quit Ed Sheeran’s tour after Macklemore is dropped over pro-Palestinian comments
Aaron Rowe, Beoga and Finneas withdrew after promoters removed Macklemore from eight remaining U.S. shows, citing his pro-Palestinian comments.
On Tuesday, Irish musicians Aaron Rowe, Beoga, and Finneas withdrew from Ed Sheeran's Loop Tour hours after the rapper Macklemore was removed from the lineup.
Macklemore was dropped after his Sept 5 performance at New Jersey's MetLife Stadium, where he chanted "Free Palestine!" and performed "Hind's Hall" criticizing Israel's actions in Gaza.
Robert Kraft, owner of the New England Patriots, said Monday his Kraft Group prohibited Macklemore from performing at Gillette Stadium, citing a "broader history of antisemitic rhetoric" offensive to the Jewish community.
Attempting to "build a bridge," Sheeran said he spoke with venues at length all week, but the promoter's decision to drop Macklemore was final.
The tour resumes Saturday in Philadelphia with remaining stops at Gillette Stadium, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, and Lucas Oil Stadium, as Macklemore's replacement Lukas Graham and the departing acts remain unconfirmed.