Updated

Macklemore and his backing band were removed from the remaining dates of Ed Sheeran's Loop Tour this week, reportedly tied to his public pro-Palestinian statements, leaving Sheeran prepared to perform his Philadelphia show solo and forcing a change to the concert's start time. The move triggered backlash from fellow musicians and fans: Dropkick Murphys' Ken Casey said Sheeran 'took the knee,' opener Aaron Rowe defended Sheeran while redirecting criticism toward Robert Kraft, and ticket holders told the BBC they felt torn about attending. The controversy also drew wider celebrity reaction, with children's entertainer Ms. Rachel pledging to match Macklemore's $1 million donation to a Palestinian charity and urging other white celebrities to speak out. The episode has become a flashpoint over artists' political statements on tour, drawing scrutiny to Sheeran, his tour organizers, and the openers involved.