All remaining support acts on Ed Sheeran’s US tour have quit after rapper Macklemore was dropped from the line-up for making pro-Palestinian remarks on stage.
Among them are Finneas, who noted, “Artists must not be silenced when they speak up for the oppressed.”
Irish singer-songwriter Aaron Rowe and Danish band Lukas Graham had already announced their departure. Irish folk band Beoga, who perform with Sheeran on stage every night, also dropped out.
The announcements came hours after Sheeran said he would not be drawn into a public debate over Gaza, and stressed he was not responsible for Macklemore being removed from the tour.
“Macklemore coming off tour was the promoter’s decision; it was not mine,” Sheeran shared on Instagram.
“I would never let down the fans who had made plans, nor would I abandon the touring crew and the other support acts and musicians who rely on me for work and to make a living.”
Earlier this month, Macklemore called for a “free Palestine” and showed images of devastation in Gaza during two concerts in New Jersey. His comments drew criticism from Jewish groups.
In his statement, Sheeran insisted he was “appalled by the conflict between Israel and Palestine” but attempted to keep political issues at arm’s length.
“I am not complicit,” he wrote. “I have my personal views on this devastating conflict. Just because I choose not to speak publicly, it doesn’t mean I don’t have them, and it doesn’t mean I don’t care.”
He continued, “There is a reason I do not use my professional platform for politics. My audience includes young people, often children, of all backgrounds. Those who come to my shows do not expect a political forum. I respect Macklemore’s strength of purpose to stand up and shout for what he believes. However, there is room for multiple approaches to the same end: Peace.”
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