Ed Sheeran’s North American Loop Tour has been hit by a wave of departures after Macklemore was removed from the lineup following controversy surrounding his performance.

The rapper had performed his protest song “Hind’s Hall” during his opening set and voiced support for a “Free Palestine.” The moment drew sharply divided reactions, with some audience members supporting his message while others called for him to leave the tour.

Singer Pink was among those who publicly addressed the backlash, although she later clarified that a social media repost she shared should not be treated as a statement representing her own exact words.

Macklemore confirmed on Monday that he had been dropped from the tour. He claimed that Robert Kraft, the owner of Gillette Stadium, had threatened to prevent Sheeran from performing at the venue unless Macklemore was removed.

Macklemore also said he believed Sheeran had been placed in a difficult position as his previously apolitical approach to public issues was challenged.

Sheeran subsequently addressed the situation himself, making clear that the decision did not come from him. He said Macklemore’s removal was made by the promoter and stressed that he would not abandon fans who had already made plans, his touring crew or the other musicians whose livelihoods depended on the tour.

Despite that explanation, several remaining support acts have now chosen to leave.

Aaron Rowe withdraws from the tour

Irish singer Aaron Rowe announced that he would no longer support Sheeran on the remaining North American dates.

Rowe said the decision was difficult because Sheeran had been a friend who had significantly helped his career. However, he connected his decision to Ireland’s history of famine, occupation and colonialism and said he could not continue with the tour while artists speaking about Palestinians were, in his view, being silenced.

He ended his statement by expressing support for Palestine.

Beoga also departs

Irish traditional band Beoga, who have performed with Sheeran for more than a decade, also confirmed that they would leave their position as his band for the remaining U.S. Loop dates.

The group said the opportunity to perform in stadiums of that scale had been significant, while emphasizing that their friendship with Sheeran would continue.

Beoga said they believed dialogue was important when discussing the situation involving the Palestinian people.

Finneas pulls out

Finneas, the musician and brother of Billie Eilish, also announced his withdrawal from his upcoming Loop Tour dates.

He said artists should not be silenced when speaking about oppressed people and stated his support for Palestine.

His departure adds another prominent name to the growing list of musicians stepping away from the remaining dates.

Lukas Graham exits

Danish band Lukas Graham also confirmed that they would not appear at the remaining shows.

The group said it was difficult to watch families around the world lose loved ones and argued that people should be able to discuss war, civilian deaths and children affected by conflict.

Although the band expressed affection for Sheeran and gratitude for their time together, it said it could not continue the tour under the circumstances.

With Macklemore already gone and Aaron Rowe, Beoga, Finneas and Lukas Graham now withdrawing, the remaining support lineup for Sheeran’s North American Loop Tour has undergone a significant shake-up.

Sheeran has maintained that Macklemore’s removal was the promoter’s decision and that his priority was honoring commitments to fans, crew members and other musicians involved in the tour.

The departures, however, have turned what began as a dispute over one opening act into a much broader conversation about artists, touring commitments and the ability to speak publicly about the Israel-Palestine conflict.

Source: Compiled from various sources.