Ed Sheeran’s international tour has been thrown into crisis, with one...

The story

All opening acts for Ed Sheeran's international tour have resigned after Macklemore was removed from the tour's U.S. dates for voicing support for Palestine. The lineup collapse follows venue bans and public criticism, prompting Sheeran to clarify that the decision was made by promoters rather than himself.

The controversy began after Macklemore made pro-Palestinian remarks at a New Jersey concert earlier this month, stating he wanted to say "Free Palestine" on stages across America so people from Gaza to the occupied West Bank know they are not forgotten. On Monday, billionaire Robert Kraft, owner of the New England Patriots and Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts, barred Macklemore from performing at the stadium, telling CNN the rapper's appearance would cross the line for the Jewish community.

Following Macklemore's removal, all of Sheeran's opening acts—producer Finneas, Irish singer Aaron Rowe, Irish band Boga, and Danish band Lucas Graham—withdrew from the tour in support of Macklemore and the Palestinian people. Macklemore responded on Instagram, writing that he only needed two chances to stand before 90,000 people and speak words that "somehow became too dangerous to say."

Criticism also came from children's entertainer and advocate Miss Rachel, who called out Sheeran on Instagram, arguing that he makes a political statement by holding a concert for Ukraine while treating Palestine as too dangerous and political. Sheeran pushed back against the online backlash, posting that removing Macklemore was the promoter's decision, that he is not complicit, and that keeping his views private does not mean he does not care.