Ed Sheeran's Tour Faces Fallout as All Openers Exit in Protest

WHO:

CBS News Entertainment - All four supporting acts for Ed Sheeran's upcoming tour, including Finneas, Aaron Rowe, Beoga, and Lukas Graham, announced their withdrawal in solidarity with Macklemore.

Billboard - Ed Sheeran is set to kick off his North American tour at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia on September 19.

The Guardian - Finneas, Aaron Rowe, Beoga, and Lukas Graham are the four supporting acts that withdrew from Ed Sheeran's tour in solidarity with Macklemore.

AllHipHop - Dearborn Mayor Abdullah Hammoud offered Macklemore a free concert funded by the city following his removal from Ed Sheeran's tour.

CBS News Entertainment - Macklemore, Ed Sheeran, Finneas, Aaron Rowe, Beoga, Lukas Graham

Fox News - Robert Kraft, owner of the New England Patriots

WHAT:

The Guardian - Finneas stated on Instagram, "I have decided to withdraw from my upcoming tour dates with Ed Sheeran. I stand with Palestine and its people."

The Guardian - Aaron Rowe announced his withdrawal, stating, "I cannot stand by and allow billionaires to use their position of power to silence the rightful voices of those who speak up against Israeli genocide."

The Guardian - Beoga expressed their departure to protest the "silencing of Macklemore by zionist lobbies."

The Guardian - Lukas Graham's lead singer, Lukas Forchhammer, said, "Money doesn’t give you the right to own the conversation. Nobody’s bank balance should decide who gets to speak or which suffering we’re allowed to acknowledge."

CBS News Entertainment - Ed Sheeran's supporting acts, including Finneas, Aaron Rowe, Beoga, and Lukas Graham, announced their withdrawal from the tour in solidarity with Macklemore.

The Guardian - Finneas stated, "I stand with Palestine and its people," in his announcement of withdrawal.

The Guardian - Aaron Rowe expressed, "I cannot stand by and allow billionaires to use their position of power to silence the rightful voices of those who speak up against Israeli genocide."

The Guardian - Beoga announced their departure to protest the "silencing of Macklemore by zionist lobbies."

The Guardian - Lukas Graham's lead singer, Lukas Forchhammer, stated, "Money doesn’t give you the right to own the conversation."

CBS News Entertainment - Macklemore was removed from Ed Sheeran's tour following pro-Palestinian comments that some say crossed a line into prejudice.

The Guardian - Macklemore made a two-minute speech on September 4, stating he wanted the people of Gaza and “the occupied West Bank” to know “we have not forgotten about them,” along with the words “free Palestine.”

The Guardian - A petition calling for Macklemore’s removal from the tour was initiated by the Israeli American Council.

The Guardian - Robert Kraft stated that the decision to remove Macklemore was based on both his “recent actions” and “a broader history of antisemitic rhetoric and imagery that we believe has been deeply offensive and hurtful to the Jewish community.”

The Guardian - Kraft expressed a willingness to meet with Macklemore to discuss the facts, stating, “I would welcome the opportunity to sit down with Macklemore and discuss the facts, because ultimately our goal is the same – peace for all people, an end to suffering, and an end to all hate.”

The Guardian - Finneas was scheduled to open for Ed Sheeran on six South American dates in November.

The Guardian - Aaron Rowe was scheduled for the 10 remaining dates in North America.

The Guardian - Finneas stated, "Artists must not be silenced when they speak up for the oppressed."

The Guardian - Aaron Rowe expressed, "I cannot stand by and allow billionaires to use their position of power to silence the rightful voices of those who speak up against Israeli genocide."

The Guardian - Beoga announced their departure to protest the "silencing of Macklemore by zionist lobbies."

The Guardian - Lukas Graham's lead singer, Lukas Forchhammer, stated, "Money doesn’t give you the right to own the conversation."

The Guardian - Finneas withdrew from Ed Sheeran's tour, stating, "I stand with Palestine and its people."

The Guardian - Aaron Rowe expressed, "I could never thank [Ed] enough... but as Irish people we know all too well about genocide, forced famine and violent occupation."

The Guardian - Beoga announced their departure, emphasizing their belief in dialogue for the Palestinian plight.

The Guardian - Lukas Graham's lead singer stated, "We should be able to speak about war, about civilians being killed, about children who deserve to grow up."

The Guardian - Finneas announced his withdrawal from the tour, stating, "Artists must not be silenced when they speak up for the oppressed."

The Guardian - Aaron Rowe expressed that he could not "stand by and allow billionaires to use their position of power to silence the rightful voices of those who speak up against Israeli genocide."

The Guardian - Beoga stated they would depart the tour to protest the "silencing of Macklemore by zionist lobbies."

CBS News Entertainment - Ed Sheeran addressed the controversy, stating, "I have spent this week trying to build bridges, to find a solution, and, unfortunately, was unable to do so."

Fox News - Ed Sheeran confirmed that the decision to remove Macklemore was made by the concert promoter, not him, after U.S. venues threatened to pull shows if Macklemore remained on the tour.

CBS News Entertainment - All four supporting acts, including Finneas, Aaron Rowe, Beoga, and Lukas Graham, released statements on Instagram announcing their withdrawal from Ed Sheeran's tour.

CBS News Entertainment - Macklemore was removed from Ed Sheeran's U.S. concert tour.

CBS News Entertainment - Four supporting acts, including Finneas, Aaron Rowe, Beoga, and Lukas Graham, withdrew from the tour in protest.

Billboard - The controversy arose after Macklemore made pro-Palestinian comments during his performances.

NBC News - All listed openers for Ed Sheeran's tour have exited following Macklemore's removal.

Deadline - The supporting acts withdrew after Macklemore was dropped for his remarks on September 4 and 5.

WHERE:

ABC News Entertainment - The comments that led to Macklemore's removal were made at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium.

WHEN:

Deadline - Macklemore was dropped from the tour following performances on September 4 and 5.

WHY:

Rolling Stone Music - The pressure campaign to remove Macklemore was reportedly organized by Robert Kraft, who lined up stadiums to censor Macklemore’s comments.

AllHipHop - The supporting acts withdrew in solidarity with Macklemore after he was dropped for his pro-Palestinian activism.

CBS News Entertainment - Macklemore was dropped due to pro-Palestinian statements that some considered controversial.

Fox News - Ed Sheeran stated that the decision to remove Macklemore was made by the concert promoter after U.S. venues threatened to pull shows if Macklemore remained on the tour.

HOW:

NBC News - Ed Sheeran confirmed that the decision to remove Macklemore was made by the concert promoter, not him, after U.S. venues threatened to pull shows if Macklemore remained on the tour.

The Guardian - Ed Sheeran confirmed that Kraft and other stadium owners refused to allow the tour to play at their venues if Macklemore continued to open for him.

The Guardian - Ed Sheeran stated, “Macklemore coming off tour was the promoter’s decision, it was not mine,” in response to the backlash over Macklemore's removal.

The Guardian - Ed Sheeran confirmed that Kraft and other stadium owners refused to allow the tour to play at their venues if Macklemore continued to open for him.

The Guardian - Ed Sheeran confirmed that Robert Kraft and other stadium owners refused to allow the tour to play at their venues if Macklemore continued to open for him.

NBC News - Robert Kraft, owner of the New England Patriots, was involved in efforts to have Macklemore removed from the tour.

Fox News - Ed Sheeran attempted to negotiate Macklemore's position on the tour but was ultimately unable to do so due to pressure from venue owners.

(UPDATED September 16, 2026 20:00 UTC)

In a significant show of solidarity, all four supporting acts for Ed Sheeran's upcoming tour, including Finneas, Aaron Rowe, Beoga, and Lukas Graham, have announced their withdrawal from the tour in support of Macklemore. Finneas took to Instagram to express his stance, saying he stands with Palestine, while Aaron Rowe condemned the influence of billionaires in silencing voices against what he described as Israeli genocide. Ed Sheeran clarified that the decision to remove Macklemore was made by the concert promoter due to pressure from U.S. venues threatening to pull shows if he remained on the tour.

(UPDATED September 16, 2026 19:00 UTC)

In a significant development, Ed Sheeran's supporting acts, including Finneas, Aaron Rowe, Beoga, and Lukas Graham, have announced their withdrawal from the tour in solidarity with Macklemore. Finneas expressed his support for Palestine, while Aaron Rowe criticized billionaires for silencing voices against what he termed Israeli genocide, and Beoga protested against the "silencing of Macklemore by zionist lobbies." Sheeran confirmed that Kraft and other stadium owners refused to allow the tour to proceed at their venues if Macklemore remained as the opening act.

(UPDATED September 16, 2026 16:58 UTC)

Ed Sheeran is gearing up to launch his North American tour at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia on September 19. However, Macklemore has been removed from the tour following pro-Palestinian comments that some have deemed prejudiced. In response to the backlash, Ed Sheeran clarified that the decision to remove Macklemore was made by the promoter, not him.

(UPDATED September 16, 2026 15:58 UTC)

Macklemore recently delivered a two-minute speech expressing solidarity with the people of Gaza and the occupied West Bank, stating, “we have not forgotten about them,” and calling for a “free Palestine.” In response, the Israeli American Council launched a petition for his removal from an upcoming tour, while Robert Kraft emphasized that the decision was influenced by Macklemore's recent actions and a history of rhetoric deemed offensive to the Jewish community. Kraft also expressed his openness to meet with Macklemore to discuss these issues, highlighting a shared goal of achieving peace and ending suffering for all.

(UPDATED September 16, 2026 14:57 UTC)

In a significant development, Ed Sheeran confirmed that Kraft and other stadium owners would not allow his tour to proceed at their venues if Macklemore remained as the opening act. As a result, Finneas was scheduled to open for Sheeran on six South American dates in November, while Aaron Rowe was set to take the stage for the ten remaining North American dates. Both artists have voiced their concerns about the silencing of artists, with Finneas stating, "Artists must not be silenced when they speak up for the oppressed," and Rowe expressing his refusal to let billionaires suppress rightful voices against injustice.

(UPDATED September 16, 2026 13:03 UTC)

In a significant development, Finneas has withdrawn from Ed Sheeran's tour, stating, "I stand with Palestine and its people." Alongside him, Aaron Rowe expressed gratitude to Ed while highlighting the shared experiences of Irish people with issues of genocide and violent occupation, and Beoga announced their departure, emphasizing the importance of dialogue regarding the Palestinian plight. Meanwhile, Ed Sheeran confirmed that Kraft and other stadium owners have refused to allow the tour to play at their venues if Macklemore continues as the opening act.

(UPDATED September 16, 2026 10:56 UTC)

In a significant move, Finneas, Aaron Rowe, Beoga, and Lukas Graham have all withdrawn from Ed Sheeran's tour in solidarity with Macklemore, who has faced controversy over his performances. Finneas emphasized the importance of artists speaking out for the oppressed, while Rowe and Beoga criticized the influence of billionaires and Zionist lobbies in silencing voices against injustices. Ed Sheeran confirmed that stadium owners, including Robert Kraft, threatened to block the tour from their venues if Macklemore remained as the opening act.

(UPDATED September 16, 2026 02:23 UTC)

Ed Sheeran has addressed the recent controversy surrounding his tour, stating, "I have spent this week trying to build bridges, to find a solution, and, unfortunately, was unable to do so." He confirmed that the decision to remove Macklemore from the lineup was made by the concert promoter, following pressure from U.S. venues that threatened to pull shows if Macklemore remained. Reports indicate that this pressure campaign was organized by Robert Kraft, who coordinated efforts to censor Macklemore’s comments.

(UPDATED September 16, 2026 02:00 UTC)

In a significant show of support, Dearborn Mayor Abdullah Hammoud has offered Macklemore a free concert funded by the city after the artist was removed from Ed Sheeran's tour. This decision follows the withdrawal of all four supporting acts, including Finneas, Aaron Rowe, Beoga, and Lukas Graham, who stepped back in solidarity with Macklemore due to his pro-Palestinian activism. Notably, Robert Kraft, the owner of the New England Patriots, played a role in the efforts that led to Macklemore's removal from the tour.

(UPDATED September 16, 2026 01:54 UTC)

In a significant development, Macklemore has been removed from Ed Sheeran's U.S. concert tour following pro-Palestinian comments he made during performances at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium on September 4 and 5. In response to Macklemore's removal, four supporting acts, including Finneas, Aaron Rowe, Beoga, and Lukas Graham, have withdrawn from the tour in protest. The controversy escalated when venue owners threatened to pull shows if Macklemore remained on the lineup, prompting Ed Sheeran to state that the decision was ultimately made by the concert promoter. Despite attempts to negotiate Macklemore's position on the tour, Sheeran was unable to secure his spot due to the mounting pressure. As a result, all listed openers for Ed Sheeran's tour have exited following Macklemore's departure.