Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour has lost its remaining scheduled support acts, with Finneas, Aaron Rowe and Lukas Graham withdrawing following Macklemore’s removal from the tour. Irish folk group Beoga, who had been performing as part of Sheeran’s live show, have also pulled out.

The artists announced their decisions on Tuesday, with each linking their withdrawal to the controversy surrounding Macklemore and expressing support for Palestine.

Macklemore was removed from the remaining US dates after making pro-Palestinian statements during Sheeran’s MetLife Stadium shows in New Jersey, including saying “Free Palestine”. Several venues subsequently told the tour promoter that they would not host upcoming shows if Macklemore remained on the lineup.

Finneas, who was scheduled to support Sheeran across six South American dates in November, said he was withdrawing because he believed artists should be able to speak out for oppressed people.

Irish singer Aaron Rowe and Danish band Lukas Graham, who were scheduled for upcoming North American dates, also pulled out. Beoga, who have worked with Sheeran for more than a decade, announced they would no longer perform as part of his touring band.

The withdrawals came shortly after Sheeran addressed Macklemore’s departure publicly. He said removing the rapper had been the promoter’s decision rather than his own and that he had spent the previous week attempting to find a resolution with venues and other parties.

Sheeran also said he chooses not to use his professional platform for politics, while acknowledging Macklemore’s right to stand up for his beliefs.

The Loop Tour is currently scheduled to continue in North America before heading to South America later this year.

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