On September 15, 2026, Ed Sheeran lost every announced opening act for his Loop Tour after Macklemore was removed from the trek over onstage remarks supporting Palestinians and criticizing Israel's war in Gaza. The withdrawals affect the remaining US dates and South American shows scheduled to begin in November. Finneas , the singer songwriter known for working with his sister Billie Eilish, confirmed that he would no longer join Sheeran in South America. In an Instagram statement, Finneas said artists should not be silenced for speaking on behalf of oppressed people and declared his support for Palestine. Why Are Ed Sheeran's Openers Leaving? Lukas Graham and Aaron Rowe also exited the rest of the US run. Graham said his decision came from discomfort with continuing the tour while civilians and children were being killed, adding that wealth should not determine who gets to discuss suffering or war. Rowe said he could not support what he described as efforts to silence criticism of Israel's actions in Gaza, while connecting his position to Ireland's history of occupation, famine, and resistance. Beoga, the Irish folk band that performs with Sheeran during part of his set, also announced its departure, citing what the group called Macklemore's silencing. Humanitarian organizations and a United Nations commission have characterized Israel's actions in Gaza as genocide, a description Israel and its allies, including the United States, reject.