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Aaron Rowe Defends Ed Sheeran Amid Macklemore Tour Fallout
Developing
In Short: Aaron Rowe defended Ed Sheeran on Thursday, arguing that public criticism over Macklemore's removal from Sheeran's Loop Tour is misplaced.
Rowe, who withdrew from the tour after Macklemore was dropped, said he believes Sheeran regrets the decision.
Sheeran's promoters, Messina Touring Group, had warned venues that upcoming concerts would not proceed if Macklemore remained on the bill.
Sheeran has maintained that the decision to remove Macklemore was made by the tour’s promoter, not by him personally.
Macklemore was removed from the tour after performing a song dedicated to pro-Palestinian protesters and referring to 'genocide' in Gaza, a description Israel rejects.
Macklemore subsequently announced he would donate $1 million from his earnings to six Palestinian organizations, challenging Robert Kraft to match the donation.
Aaron Rowe's defense of Sheeran comes amid the continuing fallout from Macklemore's removal, which has led to the withdrawal of other artists from the tour.
Lukas Graham and FINNEAS also pulled out of their support roles, while Irish band Beoga left Sheeran’s touring band.
Charlie Puth has since canceled his upcoming Australian and New Zealand tour, scrapping arena dates first announced in April.
The decision to drop Macklemore followed his pro-Palestinian comments and performance of his protest song “Hind’s Hall” during Sheeran’s concerts at MetLife Stadium.
What this adds
Macklemore's donation and Kraft's response are new developments since the initial report.
The exact venues and dates affected by the tour changes have not been fully detailed.
Background
Macklemore donated $1 million from his earnings to Palestinian aid groups after being removed from Ed Sheeran's tour.
Rapper Macklemore donated his $1 million earnings from Ed Sheeran's tour to Palestinian aid organizations.
What's still developing
- "I haven't had a chance to talk to Ed too much, but I fully believe he knows that was a mistake," Rowe said.
- Rowe said Sheeran’s response “could have been a lot better,” but argued that panic within the singer’s team contributed to the decision and that he believed Sheeran now considered it a mistake.
- Announcing his departure earlier in the week, Rowe said he could not “stand by and allow billionaires to use their position of power to silence” artists speaking about Palestinians.
- Aaron Rowe has defended Ed Sheeran amid the continuing fallout over Macklemore’s removal from the singer’s Loop Tour, arguing that public criticism is being directed at the wrong person.
- Related How Mariachi Found a Home in China & Earned Mexico's Recognition, Plus More Uplifting Moments in Latin Music Charlie Puth Cancels Australian and New Zealand Arena Dates Madrid Howls With Shakira as She Kicks Off 12-Date Residency: 'Tonight We Are One' The decision followed Macklemore’s pro-Palestinian comments and performance of his 2024 protest song “Hind’s Hall” during Sheeran’s Sept. 4 and 5 concerts at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.