Several opening acts have left singer Ed Sheeran’s tour, announcing their withdrawal, in solidarity with rapper Macklemore after he was removed from the tour following Pro-Palestine comments.  Macklemore was dropped from the remaining U.S. dates of Sheeran’s Loop tour after saying “free Palestine” onstage at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Macklemore stated he was dropped after pushback from New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft. Since the decision, all remaining opening acts, Finneas, Aaron Rowe, Lukas Graham, Beoga, and the touring band, have pulled themselves from the tour. “It’s hard to watch families in other parts of the world burying the people they love,” Graham said on Instagram. “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.” Graham reflected on growing up in a small community in Denmark, and said: “Speaking your mind was a part of everyday life.” The lead vocalist of the Danish pop band still spoke fondly of the British singer. “I love Ed, and I’m grateful for everything we’ve shared,” Graham said. “That hasn’t changed. But I can’t put these words out into the world and carry on with this tour as things stand. We are withdrawing from the remaining dates.” Finneas expressed a similar sentiment, posting on Instagram explaining his decision. “Artists must not be silenced when they speak up for the oppressed,” Finneas said. “I have decided to withdraw from my upcoming tour dates with Ed Sheeran. I stand with Palestine and its people.” Rowe, an Irish musician, said that the Irish community knew “all too well about genocide, forced famine and violent occupation.” JOE CONCHA CALLS MACKLEMORE AN ANTISEMITE FOR PRO-PALESTINIAN REMARKS DURING ED SHEERAN TOUR “I have made the decision to withdraw as a support act for Ed Sheeran’s ‘The Loop of North America Tour,’” Rowe said. “I don’t take this decision lightly. Ed has been a friend to me and has changed my life; I could never thank him enough for this.” Rowe made a dig at Kraft as well, stating, “I cannot stand by and allow billionaires to use their position of power to silence the rightful voices of those who speak up against Israeli genocide.” Sheeran, for his part, posted a statement on Instagram saying he was “appalled by the conflict between Israel and Palestine,” ultimately blaming promoters and venues for the rapper being dropped.