Sheeran says promoter cut Macklemore; support acts quit

Ed Sheeran said the promoter, not he, decided to drop Macklemore from his upcoming US tour dates. Macklemore was removed after he made pro‑Palestinian remarks on stage. After the removal, every remaining support act announced they were quitting the tour. Finneas, the brother of pop star Billie Eilish, issued a statement that artists must not be silenced when they speak up for the oppressed. Irish singer‑songwriter Aaron Rowe also said he would pull out of the dates. Danish band Lukas Graham confirmed its departure as well. Irish folk band Beoga, which was scheduled to perform with Sheeran, joined the exit list. Sheeran’s statement, released on Tuesday, stressed that the line‑up change was a promoter decision and that he had no role in it. The collective walk‑out underscores rising tension over political expression on stage. The promoter’s identity was not disclosed in the statement.