Pressure Over 'Pro-Palestinian Remarks' Leads Ed Sheeran Tour Opening Acts to Withdraw En Masse

Withdrawals Triggered by Venue and Promoter Pressure

'Gaza War' Controversy Spreads Across US and UK Music Scenes

Cancellations and Boycotts Continue

World-renowned pop star Ed Sheeran's world tour has become caught up in controversy surrounding the Israel-Gaza war. A wave of remaining supporting acts announced their withdrawal in protest after American rapper Macklemore, who openly expressed support for Palestine, was removed from the tour lineup.

World-renowned pop star Ed Sheeran (right) has found his world tour caught up in the conflict surrounding the Israel-Gaza war. This follows the withdrawal of American rapper Macklemore, who openly supported Palestine, from the tour, prompting the remaining supporting acts to consecutively announce their withdrawal. Photo by AP Yonhap News Agency

On September 16 (local time), foreign media outlets including the Associated Press and Axios reported that several artists—including singer-songwriter and producer Finneas, Irish singer-songwriter Aaron Rowe, Danish band Lukas Graham, and Irish band Beoga—have successively dropped out of Ed Sheeran's 'Loop Tour.' Finneas was scheduled to join as a special guest for the South American leg, while Aaron Rowe and Lukas Graham had planned to participate in shows in North America. Beoga had consistently performed as part of Sheeran's touring band.

This collective departure began immediately after Macklemore was excluded from the tour roster. Earlier this month, Macklemore appeared as a guest at Sheeran's concert at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, where he mentioned the residents of Palestine and Gaza, then shouted "Free Palestine." He also performed his song "Hind's Hall," which addresses the Palestinian issue. While referring to Israel's military operations as "genocide," Macklemore emphasized that his remarks were not intended as a blanket criticism of all Jewish people.

However, his comments sparked significant controversy. Organizations representing Israeli Americans called for Macklemore's removal from the tour, and some venue officials reportedly stated they would not host Sheeran's concerts if Macklemore was to take the stage. The situation intensified particularly when Robert Kraft, owner of the NFL's New England Patriots and linked to Massachusetts' Gillette Stadium, voiced his objection.

Kraft objected not only to Macklemore's recent actions but also to some of his past statements and expressions, arguing they had hurt the Jewish community. On the other hand, Macklemore's camp insists there is a clear distinction between supporting Palestinian civilians and antisemitism.

Ed Sheeran: "Macklemore's Departure Was Not My Decision"

As the controversy started to focus on him, Sheeran issued a direct statement. Through social media, he explained that Macklemore's removal from the tour was a decision made by the promoter, not by himself. He added that several venues had notified them they would refuse to host the concert if Macklemore continued to participate, and that although he attempted to mediate a solution with the parties involved, no agreement was reached.

Sheeran emphasized that canceling the concerts would impact not only fans who had already purchased tickets and arranged travel, but also the livelihoods of hundreds of tour staff and crew. Addressing criticism for remaining silent about the Israel-Palestine conflict, he stated, "Just because I don't state my personal views publicly doesn't mean I'm indifferent to this devastating conflict," denying any suggestion that he is oblivious to the war or civilian suffering.

Sheeran also expressed his wish to keep his concerts as spaces where people of different backgrounds can come together to enjoy music, free from political conflict. According to Reuters, Sheeran has previously spoken on social issues such as supporting Ukraine and opposing racism, which has fueled ongoing debate over his response in this instance. Nevertheless, after Sheeran's statement, the artists' departures continued. Finneas, Grammy-winning producer and brother of Billie Eilish, declared he would withdraw from Sheeran's planned South American tour, stating, "Artists who speak up for the oppressed should not be silenced."

Lucas Forchhammer, vocalist of Lukas Graham, also stated that musicians must be free to speak out about war and civilian or child casualties, saying, "Money does not buy you the right to dictate the conversation." Aaron Rowe and Beoga also cited solidarity with Macklemore and Palestinian residents as the reason for their withdrawal. As a result, Sheeran's Loop Tour now faces the unprecedented situation of losing not only Macklemore but also other key supporting acts that were initially planned. However, as of now, Sheeran's main shows have not been canceled, and the tour schedule is set to continue.

Macklemore Pledges $1 Million Donation...Invites Kraft to Join

At the center of the controversy, Macklemore went even further. According to Associated Press reports, he announced that he will donate the net profit of $1 million (about 1.4 billion won) earned from participating in Ed Sheeran's tour to organizations supporting Palestinian residents. The beneficiaries include groups providing medical and humanitarian aid in Gaza. Macklemore invited Kraft to join him in making a donation of a similar scale. While Kraft has also expressed willingness to donate, it is reported that differences remain between the two over specific details such as the recipients of the support.

MacLemore, at the center of controversy, took a step further. According to the Associated Press report, he announced that he would donate the net profit of 1 million dollars (approximately 1.4 billion won) earned from participating in Ed Sheeran's tour to organizations supporting Palestinian residents. Associated Press Yonhap News

This is not the first instance where the controversy surrounding the war in Gaza has spilled over into the music industry. During 'The Great Escape' festival in Brighton, UK in 2024, over 100 musicians withdrew from performing. The boycott was staged in solidarity with Palestine after criticism arose that festival sponsor Barclays was conducting financial transactions with companies supplying military equipment to Israel. As a result, Barclays was removed from the list of sponsors for the festival the following year.

Similar controversies have affected American R&B singer Kehlani. Cornell University in the United States canceled their performance, which was scheduled as the festival headliner in 2025, citing increased campus tensions over Kehlani's pro-Palestinian and anti-Israel comments. Subsequently, a concert planned for New York's Central Park was also canceled due to safety concerns. As the debate continues between those who claim it is an artist's freedom to speak out on war and human rights issues and those who warn against turning large-scale concerts into venues for political conflict attended by tens of thousands, the fallout surrounding Ed Sheeran's tour is likely to persist for some time.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.