Several supporting artists have stepped away from Ed Sheeran's concert tour following the removal of rapper Macklemore, according to bbc.com. The departures came after Macklemore was dropped from the tour over a "Free Palestine" remark, the outlet reported on Wednesday.
Reports from multiple outlets, including bdnews24.com and bd-pratidin.com, said Macklemore was removed from the tour because of the statement. Other publications, among them aaroananda.com and the Daily Times Of Bangladesh, also covered the decision and the reaction from fellow performers.
According to the reporting, the support acts left the tour in a show of backing for Macklemore. The exact number of artists who departed is not consistent across the coverage, with one outlet describing four co-performers stepping away. The available material does not include statements from Sheeran, Macklemore, or the departing artists.
The episode places a long-running public debate over the phrase "Free Palestine" at the center of a major touring production. Macklemore's removal, and the subsequent exits by supporting acts, indicate how quickly a single onstage or public remark can reshape the lineup of a large concert run.
It remains unclear whether the tour will continue with replacement acts, whether any of the departed artists might return, or whether Sheeran or his representatives will comment publicly. Further updates are expected as the tour proceeds.