Ed Sheeran's tour in trouble after opening acts drop out in solidarity with rapper Macklemore

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Published: 2026-09-16T22:18:38.733Z • Permanent link

Ed Sheeran's highly anticipated tour of North and South America has hit a snag, with all supporting acts dropping out in solidarity with rapper Macklemore. The controversy began when Macklemore, known for his outspoken views on social justice, made pro-Palestinian comments during a recent performance. The decision to cut ties with Macklemore has sparked a chain reaction, as all of Sheeran's other opening acts have subsequently dropped out in support of the embattled rapper.

Macklemore's comments, which were widely reported on social media, appeared to criticize Israeli policies in the occupied territories. The controversy has sparked a heated debate on social media, with many fans and fellow artists weighing in on the issue. Sheeran's team has yet to comment publicly on the situation, but sources close to the artist suggest that he is "disappointed" by the fallout.

Meanwhile, fans of Sheeran and Macklemore are taking to social media to express their support for the embattled rapper. A hashtag campaign, #StandWithMacklemore, has been trending on Twitter, with many users sharing messages of solidarity and support for the rapper. The hashtag has also been used by fans of Sheeran, who are calling for the artist to reconsider his decision to drop Macklemore from the tour.

The fallout from the Macklemore controversy has significant implications for the music industry, particularly in the context of live events and touring. Sheeran's tour, which was expected to be one of the most lucrative of the year, is now in jeopardy. The decision to drop Macklemore has also raised questions about the role of social activism in the music industry, and whether artists should be allowed to express themselves freely.

Major music venues and promoters have expressed concern about the potential impact on ticket sales and revenue. Companies like Ticketmaster and Live Nation have been quick to distance themselves from the controversy, citing concerns about the potential for "divisive" content to impact their businesses. However, many fans and artists are taking a more nuanced view, arguing that the music industry should be a platform for free expression and creativity.

The controversy surrounding Macklemore's comments is not an isolated incident, but rather part of a larger pattern of increasing polarization and division in the music industry. In recent years, there have been several high-profile controversies surrounding artists and their social activism, from Kendrick Lamar's criticism of police brutality to Taylor Swift's stance on LGBTQ+ rights. These incidents have sparked debates about the role of art in society, and whether artists should be held accountable for their words and actions.