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Ed Sheeran's Loop Tour has become embroiled in controversy after opening act Macklemore was dropped over his pro-Palestinian activism, prompting other artists to walk and Sheeran to face criticism for largely staying silent on the issue. Guitar Center's contest to find a replacement opener has itself been marred by allegations of fraudulent entries, while stadium owner Robert Kraft claimed Sheeran asked him to donate $2 million to aid groups after Macklemore's $1 million pledge drew backlash. The controversy has rippled further, with children's entertainer Ms. Rachel matching Macklemore's $1 million donation to Palestinian aid groups, and commentators including Rolling Stone's Peter Rosenberg weighing in on antisemitism and the Middle East conflict's impact on the music industry. The episode highlights growing pressure on major touring artists to take public stances on Gaza.