Four supporting acts dropped out of Ed Sheeran’s tour after rapper Macklemore was removed for pro-Palestinian comments made onstage. Finneas announced his withdrawal on social media, stating, “I stand with Palestine and its people.” Aaron Rowe, Lukas Graham, and the traditional Irish group Beoga also withdrew, citing free speech and support for Palestinians. Finneas, Grammy- and Oscar-winning musician and brother of Billie Eilish, added that artists must not be silenced when speaking for the oppressed.

The controversy began when Macklemore performed his protest song “Hind’s Hall” at Met Life Stadium in East Rutherford, N. J., accusing Israel of genocide in the Gaza war. Organizations like the Anti-Defamation League criticized the performance, and the Israeli-American Council circulated a petition to drop Macklemore.

Rowe referenced Irish history of genocide and famine, saying he could not allow billionaires to silence voices against Israeli actions. Graham stated money should not decide who gets to speak, adding watermelon emojis in support of Palestine. Beoga called the removal a reaction to “the silencing of Macklemore by Zionist lobbies.” Macklemore said Sheeran told him venues demanded his removal.

Robert Kraft, owner of the New England Patriots and Gillette Stadium, said he would not provide a platform for hate speech, citing a broader history of antisemitic rhetoric.