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All artists supporting Ed Sheeran's tour in the United States have withdrawn from the tour in support of Macklemore. Macklemore, who was removed from the tour for his statements about Palestine, faced criticism during a concert at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey for saying "Freedom for Palestine" and other supportive remarks.
Background of Artists' Withdrawal
Macklemore, whose real name is Ben Haggerty, was removed from continuing the tour following pressure from Robert Kraft, the billionaire owner of Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts. On Tuesday, Ed Sheeran announced that the decision was due to the way Macklemore expressed himself during the performance, not the content of his statements.
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Following this action, artists such as Finneas, Aaron Rowe, the Irish group Beoga, and the Danish group Lukas Graham quickly announced that they would withdraw from the tour. Finneas wrote on Instagram: "Artists should not remain silent when speaking for the oppressed. I support Palestine and its people."
Artists' Statements
Aaron Rowe, who was scheduled to perform in 10 other dates in the U.S., said: "I do not take this decision lightly. Ed has been a friend to me and has changed my life, but as an Irishman, we are well aware of genocide and occupation. I cannot remain silent."
The Beoga group, known as Ed Sheeran's supporting act, also announced in a statement on Instagram that they would withdraw from the tour due to Macklemore's removal. They stated: "We believe in dialogue as a way to advance the situation of the Palestinian people."
Lukas Graham, the lead singer of the group, wrote in a statement: "It is difficult to see families in other parts of the world burying their loved ones. We must be able to talk about war, civilian casualties, and children who have the right to grow up."
Macklemore drew attention during a concert at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey earlier this month with remarks about Palestine, saying: "People in Gaza to the occupied West Bank know that we have not forgotten them. I say freedom for Palestine."
These remarks prompted immediate reactions, and the Israeli-American Council began gathering signatures to remove Macklemore from the tour. Macklemore defended his statements, saying: "Demanding equal treatment for all humans should not be controversial."
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