Ed Sheeran’s North and South American tour faced significant disruption on Tuesday when four of his supporting acts announced their departure in solidarity with rapper Macklemore, who was dismissed for making pro-Palestinian statements during a performance.

Shortly after Sheeran addressed Macklemore’s removal on social media, attributing the decision to the tour’s promoters, Irish artists Aaron Rowe and Beoga, along with the Danish band Lukas Graham and singer-songwriter Finneas, publicly declared their exit from the tour on Instagram.

Rowe and Lukas Graham were slated to take Macklemore’s place for the remaining U.S. concerts, while Beoga had been collaborating with Sheeran on several songs throughout the performances.

Finneas, who is known for his work with his sister, Billie Eilish, was scheduled to join Sheeran for shows in South America later this year. He expressed his stance on Instagram, stating, “Artists must not be silenced when they speak up for the oppressed,” and announced his withdrawal from the upcoming tour dates, affirming his support for Palestine.

The actions of these artists have placed significant pressure on Sheeran, who has aimed to keep his concerts apolitical, believing that attendees come to his shows for entertainment rather than political discourse.

In their statements, both Rowe and Beoga referenced their heritage and its connection to issues of colonialism and injustice. Beoga pointed out, “As founding members of the Irish Artists for Palestine movement, we are committed activists for justice.” Rowe, describing Sheeran as a friend, emphasized the historical significance of their shared Irish identity, stating, “As Irish people, we know all too well about genocide, forced famine, and violent occupation,” and expressed his inability to stand by while those in power suppress important voices.

Lukas Graham, known for hits like “Mama Said,” acknowledged the difficulty of their decision but emphasized that financial power should not dictate the narrative surrounding such critical issues. Their post hinted at billionaire Robert Kraft’s involvement in Macklemore’s removal from the tour.

Requests for comments were sent to Sheeran and the tour’s promoter, the Messina Touring Group. The controversy began with Macklemore’s dismissal, which Sheeran clarified was a promoter’s decision, stating he did not wish to engage in public discourse regarding the Gaza conflict.

In his Instagram statement, Sheeran noted, “Macklemore coming off tour was the promoter’s decision, it was not mine,” and expressed his commitment to his fans and crew. Macklemore had revealed that he was removed from the tour after making pro-Palestinian remarks during a concert at MetLife Stadium, where he had introduced his protest song “Hind’s Hall.” He also conveyed that certain U.S. venues would not allow him to perform due to pressure from Kraft, the owner of the New England Patriots.

Kraft, in a statement regarding Macklemore’s dismissal, cited the rapper’s recent comments and a perceived history of antisemitic rhetoric as the basis for the decision, which he deemed offensive to the Jewish community. Representatives for Kraft did not respond to inquiries about the actions taken by the other artists.

Amid increasing discussions surrounding Israel’s military actions in Gaza, which some organizations characterize as genocide—an assertion that Israel rejects—Macklemore was set to perform at eight of Sheeran’s remaining ten shows before the tour resumes in Philadelphia on Saturday, with stops planned at prominent venues like Gillette Stadium and Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

In his social media message, Sheeran mentioned his efforts to foster dialogue with the venues but acknowledged that the final decision rested with the promoters. He reiterated his belief in using music as a unifying force and chose not to publicly express his personal views on the ongoing conflict, insisting that his concerts are not political forums. Sheeran concluded by respecting Macklemore’s right to voice his beliefs while advocating for a peaceful resolution through dialogue rather than division.