Singer Finneas has announced he will withdraw from Ed Sheeran’s tour in protest of artists being ‘silenced’.
He and Aaron Rowe, who was also set to support the Shape of You singer, have pulled out of the Loop Tour in solidarity with Macklemore and Palestine.
The Downtown rapper was removed from the US leg of the tour after stadium bosses reportedly told Ed he wouldn’t be allowed to perform if he was still on the lineup.
Macklemore had spoken out in support of Palestine and showed war imagery during two other shows, sparking backlash from singer Pink and prompting a statement from Ed.
In a text post on Instagram, Finneas wrote: ‘Artists must not be silenced when they speak up for the oppressed.
‘I have decided to withdraw from my upcoming tour dates with Ed Sheeran. I stand with Palestine and its people.’
At the same time, Irish singer Aaron shared a similar statement confirming his withdrawal from the shows, saying he didn’t ‘take the decision lightly’.
‘Ed has been a friend to me and has changed my life,’ he penned. ‘I could never thank him enough for this.
‘But as Irish people, we know all too well about genocide, forced famine and violent occupation.’
Aaron said he ‘cannot stand by and allow billionaires to use their position of power to silence the rightful voices of those who speak up’.
He added that he would ‘lose all respect’ for himself to pretend nothing had happened, and needed to ‘be true’ to himself and his ancestors.
Macklemore commented the Palestinian flag as well as a heart emoji, alongside support from Green Party leader Zack Polanski and applause emojis from Kneecap.
On Finneas’ post, actress Jameela Jamil joked: ‘Maybe Pink can support?’ in reference to the Stupid Girls singer sharing her thoughts on Macklemore’s original speech.
Ed’s final support act, Lukas Graham, has now also pulled out and also voiced his support for Palestine in a statement.
He wrote: ‘We should be able to speak about war, about civilians being killed, about children who deserve to grow up. Wherever they live. Whatever flag flies over them.’
Lukas shared how he grew up in a small community in Denmark where ‘speaking your mind was part of everyday life’ and ‘having more mony didn’t make your opnion worth more than anyone else’s’.
‘I love Ed, and I’m grateful for everything we’ve shared,’ he continued. ‘That hasn’t changed. But I can’t put these words out into the world and carry on with this tour as things stand.
‘I’m sorry we won’t be there. This is a difficult decision but it’s one I need to stand by.’
Macklemore announced on Monday that he had been dropped as an opener on the tour in a lengthy statement, although he stressed that neither he nor Sheeran should be considered victims in the situation.
The Thrift Shop rapper was set to appear at eight of Ed’s remaining 10 dates, which kick off again on Friday, September 19, in Philadelphia.
He said he understood Ed’s position but wasn’t willing to stop sharing his political message, which he added he’d been saying for several years now without issues.
Ed then responded, posting a statement on Instagram that reads: ‘I am appalled by the conflict between Israel and Palestine. The suffering and pain caused on both sides is a human tragedy.
‘There are too many wars across the world causing immeasurable pain, none of which should be tolerated.’
He added: ‘Macklemore coming off tour was the promoter’s decision, it was not mine. Macklemore’s contract for the tour was with the promoter, not me.’
Elsewhere in the statement, he wrote: ‘I would never let down the fans who had made plans, nor would I abandon the touring crew and the other support acts and musicians who rely on me for work and to make a living.’
Ed has not yet addressed his other support acts dropping out but Metro has reached out for comment.
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