All opening acts quit Sheeran tour

Ed Sheeran faces potential cancellation as all four remaining opening acts dropped out after Macklemore was kicked off the Loop Tour. Eighteen dates remain with no openers scheduled.

Macklemore removed after Palestine speech

Macklemore was kicked off Sheeran's US tour after delivering a pro-Palestine speech at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on September 4 and 5.

Finneas leads the exodus

Billie Eilish's brother Finneas was first to quit, writing that artists must not be silenced when they speak up for the oppressed.

“Artists must not be silenced when they speak up for the oppressed. I stand with Palestine and its people.”

Irish singer Aaron Rowe pulls out

Aaron Rowe said he couldn't allow billionaires to use their power to silence those who speak up, citing Ireland's history with genocide and occupation.

“As Irish people, we know all too well about genocide, forced famine and violent occupation.”

Lukas Graham withdraws from tour

The Danish band said they should be able to speak about war and children being killed, regardless of where they live or what flag flies over them.

“I love Ed, and I'm grateful for everything we've shared. But I can't put these words out into the world and carry on with this tour.”

Beoga refuses to play silenced venues

Irish band Beoga, who join Sheeran on stage for Galway Girl, said playing in venues that silence Palestine advocates is not an option for them.

“Playing to those crowds every night is the stuff of dreams but to play in venues that silence anyone advocating for a Free Palestine is simply not an option.”

What Macklemore said on stage

Macklemore wore a keffiyeh, performed his song Hind's Hall with Gaza footage, and told the crowd he wanted people in Gaza and the West Bank to know they're not forgotten.

“I wanted to stand up here on stages in stadiums across America and say two words that are very near and dear to my heart: Free Palestine.”

Robert Kraft personally intervened

Macklemore claims billionaire Robert Kraft, who owns Gillette Stadium and the New England Patriots, called Sheeran directly and rallied other stadium owners to issue an ultimatum.

“Ed told me that Kraft had rallied some of the other stadium owners and collectively they gave him an ultimatum.”

Kraft defends blocking Macklemore

Kraft said Macklemore crossed a line with antisemitic rhetoric and imagery that was deeply offensive to the Jewish community, violating the venue's commitment against hate speech.

“Based on Macklemore's recent actions, we determined that his participation would cross that line.”

Sheeran says he tried to fix it

Sheeran said he spent all week trying to build a bridge and find a resolution with venues, promoters and activists on both sides, but the decision was final.

“I spoke with the venues at length all week to try and build a bridge. The venue's and promoter's decision was final.”

Sheeran defends his neutral stance

Sheeran said his audience includes young people and children from different backgrounds who don't expect his shows to be a political forum.

“There is a reason I do not use my professional platform for politics - my audience includes young people, often children, of all backgrounds.”

Sheeran won't abandon fans or crew

Sheeran insisted he would never let down fans who made plans or abandon the touring crew and support acts who rely on him for work and a living.

“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.”

Macklemore says he's not the victim

In a lengthy statement, Macklemore said he, Sheeran and Pink are not victims. The victims are Palestinian people killed, starved and displaced, including over 20,000 children in Gaza.

“I am not a victim. Ed Sheeran is not a victim. The victims are the Palestinian people.”

Why this time was different

Macklemore said he's been saying the same things for three years, but now he's sharing a stage with one of the biggest artists in the world in America's biggest stadiums.

“At a certain level of exposure, 'Free Palestine' becomes too much of a risk.”

Macklemore addresses antisemitism claims

Macklemore said antisemitism is real, which is why the word matters too much to be used as a shield against criticism of Israel. He criticized conflating opposition to Israel with hatred of Jewish people.

“When criticizing Israel, opposing Zionism or saying 'Free Palestine' gets conflated with hatred of Jewish people, it doesn't protect Jewish people. It protects Israel from accountability.”

Pink weighs in against Macklemore

Singer Pink reposted a statement from StopAntisemitism demanding apologies and refunds for Jewish fans who were ambushed by Macklemore's anti-Israel propaganda at the concert.

Macklemore's past antisemitism controversy

In 2014, Macklemore apologized after wearing a disguise on stage in Seattle that many condemned as an antisemitic Jewish caricature, saying he never intentionally puts down anyone.

Friendship strained but not broken

Macklemore said he and Sheeran have been friends for 13 years and had difficult conversations rooted in love and respect, but ended in fundamental disagreement. He hopes it's not the end.

“Thirteen years of friendship doesn't disappear because of one painful disagreement. My door will always be open to continuing that conversation.”