All four supporting artists scheduled for the upcoming dates of Ed Sheeran’s tour have withdrawn from the project in solidarity with fellow opener Macklemore. The American rapper was removed from the tour following statements he made onstage in support of Palestine.
Sheeran addressed the controversy by stating that venue owners, including New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft and the operators of the stadium where the band performs, had objected to Macklemore’s inclusion on the tour bill. According to Sheeran, he attempted to negotiate with the venue holders for an extended period in an effort to resolve the dispute, but promoters ultimately decided to cut ties with the rapper.
Among the artists who have pulled out are Finneas, Aaron Rowe, and the Irish folk group Beoga. The situation was discussed in a recent Guardian podcast featuring assistant opinion editor Jason Okundaye.
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