Aaron Rowe defends Ed Sheeran amid Macklemore tour removal

Singer Aaron Rowe has publicly defended Ed Sheeran amid the ongoing controversy surrounding the removal of rapper Macklemore from Sheeran's Loop Tour, urging critics to redirect their focus toward New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft. In an Instagram video posted on Friday, September 18, Rowe, who was one of the opening acts before withdrawing from the tour, stated that the public is "focusing on the wrong person." Rowe's defense comes after Sheeran dropped Macklemore from the tour earlier in the week. Sheeran subsequently released a statement attributing the decision to the tour's promoter, Messina Touring Group, which had been notified by venues that they would not host concerts with Macklemore on the bill. Sheeran said he had spoken with venues and promoters, including Kraft, in an attempt to find a resolution but was unable to overrule the decision. In his video, Rowe acknowledged that Sheeran's initial statement "could have been a lot better" and reiterated his belief that Macklemore should not have been removed.