Sheeran Tour in Disarray After All Support Acts Quit

Ed Sheeran's Loop Tour has been thrown into disarray after all of his remaining support acts withdrew in solidarity with rapper Macklemore, who was removed from the tour following pro-Palestine remarks. The controversy has led to declining ticket resale prices and planned protests ahead of a scheduled concert in Philadelphia. The dispute began after Macklemore said "Free Palestine" during a September 5 concert at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. The Israeli-American Council subsequently launched a petition calling for his removal. Sheeran stated in a public message that the decision to remove Macklemore was made by the tour's promoter, Messina Touring Group, and that venues had indicated they would not host shows if Macklemore remained on the bill. Macklemore alleged that New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft organized a boycott and that Sheeran told him Kraft had rallied other stadium owners to give an ultimatum: remove Macklemore or the shows would not go ahead. Kraft confirmed Gillette Stadium would not host Macklemore, citing his recent actions and a broader history of rhetoric and imagery that Kraft described as offensive and hurtful to the Jewish community.