Singer-songwriter Aaron Rowe withdraws as an opener for the North American leg of Ed Sheeran’s “Loop” tour, citing solidarity with Macklemore after the rapper is dismissed from the shows. Rowe posts that he cannot remain silent as “billionaires” use their influence to silence voices speaking out against Israeli actions in Gaza, including the killing of children.
Multiple outlets report that the fallout extends beyond Rowe. Finneas and Lukas Graham also leave the tour as openers, and Sheeran’s backing band Beoga says it will no longer join him. The changes follow Macklemore’s removal tied to pro-Palestinian remarks connected to the “free Palestine” slogan, which outlets describe as prompting a backlash and pressure campaign.
While outlets agree on the core sequence—Macklemore’s removal, followed by other acts pulling out—their framing varies. Some headlines foreground solidarity with Palestinian people; others emphasize the backlash over Macklemore’s remarks or the loss of remaining openers and backing support. The cited commonality is that the departing performers link their decisions to Macklemore’s treatment and public stance on Palestine-related issues.
