Ed Sheeran tour chaos as ALL support acts drop out over Macklemore controversy

ED Sheeran’s American tour has been thrown into chaos after all four of his support acts have quit.

The exodus was sparked by rapper Macklemore’s removal from the tour by promoters over his pro-Palestinian comments during two performances.

‘s brother Finneas, Irish acts Aaron Rowe and Beoga, and Danish pop star Lukas Graham have all withdrawn in solidarity.

Brit star Ed insisted in a statement that he would not be drawn on voicing his own views on the Israel/Gaza conflict publicly but is committed to ensuring his gigs are a place of “safety and sanctuary” for people from all ethnicities, faiths and backgrounds.

He also made it clear that he was not personally responsible for Macklemore’s departure and had been trying to find a solution with promoters and billionaire Robert Kraft, who owns Massachusetts‘ Gillette Stadium where Ed is due to perform and led calls for Macklemore to be axed from the Loop Tour.

New England Patriots owner Kraft accused Macklemore of having a “broader history of antisemitic rhetoric and imagery that we believe has been deeply offensive and hurtful to the Jewish community.”

It was Macklemore declaring “Free Palestine” ahead of his protest song Free Hind’s Hall, written about pro-Palestinian protestors at Columbia University, which sparked the controversy.

In his own statement, Macklemore insisted his stance was a “criticism of apartheid and genocide” and not of the Jewish people.

Ed wrote on social media: “Macklemore coming off tour was the promoter’s decision, it was not mine.

“I would never let down the fans who had made plans, nor would I abandon the touring crew and the other support acts and musicians who rely on me for work and to make a living.”

He added that fans at his shows did not want a “political forum” and that despite his apolitical stance he is “not complicit”.

Acting as an intermediary, Ed said he had “spoken with the venues at length all week to try to build a bridge” but “the venue’s and promoter’s decision was final.”

Ed and Macklemore’s friendship goes back 13 years and the latter said he hoped it would continue despite them having had “difficult conversations”.

The other acts also highlighted their friendships with Ed and their gratitude for being given the opportunity to perform on such a high-profile tour, but said they could not continue with clear conscience knowing a fellow artist had been “silenced”.

Graham posted on Instagram: “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.”

Finneas stated: “Artists must not be silenced when they speak up for the oppressed.”

While Rowe said in his post: “I don’t take the decision lightly. Ed has been a friend to me and has changed my life, I could never thank him enough for this.”