Finneas, Lukas Graham and Aaron Rowe drop out of Ed Sheeran’s tour after Macklemore’s removal

Deadline reports that Finneas, Lukas Graham and Aaron Rowe withdrew as openers for the North American leg of Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour after Macklemore was dismissed over pro-Palestinian remarks at Sheeran’s New Jersey shows. The Hollywood Reporter says the departures were in solidarity with Macklemore.

Vulture reports that Sheeran distanced himself from the decision and defended his apolitical public stance. In a statement quoted by Deadline, Sheeran said venues had threatened to pull shows if Macklemore remained as support. He said he tried to broker a resolution, but the venues and promoter made the final decision.