Ed Sheeran's Support Acts Stage Mass Walkout After Macklemore Axed Over Pro-Palestine Remarks
WATCH: GB News row erupts as lefty SLAMMED over pro-Palestine action
TL;DR
- Finneas, Lukas Graham, Aaron Rowe, and Beoga have withdrawn from Ed Sheeran's tour.
- The walkout followed the removal of rapper Macklemore, whose real name is Ben Haggerty.
- Macklemore was reportedly removed after pressure from Robert Kraft, owner of the New England Patriots.
- Kraft accused Macklemore of "antisemitic rhetoric" and performing protest songs about Palestine.
- Macklemore stated that Kraft threatened to bar him from Gillette Stadium and rallied other stadium owners to do the same, leading to venue cancellation threats.
- The tour promoter, Messina Touring Group, confirmed Macklemore's removal, citing threats of cancellations affecting fans.
- Finneas stated he withdraws to stand with Palestine and its people.
- Aaron Rowe accused Israel of "genocide" and compared Ireland to Palestine.
- Lukas Graham emphasized the right to speak about war and civilian deaths.
- Beoga cited the "silencing of Macklemore by zionist lobbies" and refused to play in venues that silence advocacy for Palestine.
- Ed Sheeran stated the decision to remove Macklemore was not his and that he tried to find a resolution after venues threatened to pull his shows.
- Sheeran attributed the final call to Messina Touring Group, which held the contract with Macklemore.
- Robert Kraft confirmed barring Macklemore from Gillette Stadium due to "recent actions" and a "history of antisemitic rhetoric," but did not address coordinating with other owners.