Today in Focus: The LatestEd Sheeran

Ed Sheeran support acts quit after Macklemore ‘Free Palestine’ row - The Latest

All four supporting acts for the upcoming dates of Ed Sheeran’s tour have withdrawn in solidarity with fellow opener Macklemore.

The American rapper was removed from Sheeran’s tour after comments made onstage in support of Palestine. Sheeran responded that venue owners – including Robert Kraft who owns the New England Patriots and its home stadium – had objected to Macklemore’s appearance on the tour. But after he had tried to negotiate with the venue owners “at length to build bridges,” ultimately the promoters made the decision to pull the plug. Artists who have pulled out include Finneas, Aaron Rowe and Beoga.

Lucy Hough speaks to Guardian assistant opinion editor, Jason Okundaye – watch on YouTube

Presented by Lucy Hough with Jason Okundaye ; produced by Angus Neale ; senior producer Ryan Ramgobin ; executive producer Zoe HitchWed 16 Sep 2026 19.22 CESTLast modified on Wed 16 Sep 2026 19.43 CESTShareExplore more on these topics

• Ed Sheeran
• Today in Focus: The Latest
• Macklemore
• Palestine
• West Bank
• Gaza