Ed Sheeran’s North and South America tour faces disruption after four supporting acts withdraw from upcoming dates. Reports say the changes follow the removal of rapper Macklemore, who is said to have been dropped over pro-Palestinian comments made during stage appearances.
Multiple outlets describe the incident as sparking immediate backlash and a fast-moving fallout. ABC Australia and the Mirror frame the withdrawals as acts quitting “in solidarity” with Macklemore. The Sydney Morning Herald, Brisbane Times, and The Age similarly link the reaction to Macklemore’s pro-Palestinian remarks during Sheeran shows in New Jersey. Japan Today adds that the tour’s backing band also quit, presenting a broader breakdown in the scheduled lineup.
Across the reports, the common thread is the chain of events: Macklemore’s onstage comments lead to his removal, after which several supporting acts—including, in some accounts, the touring band—leave the tour. The outlets differ mainly in emphasis, including how many acts quit and which tour parties are explicitly named, but they agree on the overall sequence and cause cited for the controversy.
