All remaining supporting artists have withdrawn from British pop singer Ed Sheeran's tour in the United States after American rapper Macklemore was excluded from the tour due to pro-Palestinian statements he made on stage.
Among those who withdrew is musician Finneas O'Connell, brother of pop star Billie Eilish, who stated: "Artists should not be silenced when they raise their voices in defense of the oppressed."
Irish singer-songwriter Aaron Rowe and Danish band Lukas Graham also announced their withdrawal. The Irish folk band Beoga, who shares the stage with Sheeran every night, also withdrew.
These announcements came hours after Sheeran stated he would not engage in a public discussion about Gaza, emphasizing that he was not responsible for Macklemore's exclusion from the tour.
Sheeran said on Instagram: "The decision to exclude Macklemore from the tour was the organizer's decision, not mine."
He added: "I will never let down the fans who made plans to attend, and I will not abandon the tour crew or the artists and musicians involved who rely on me to work and make a living."
Sheeran is set to perform his next concert at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia on Saturday. The website for his "Loop tour" has not been updated, and singer Lukas Graham (founder of the band of the same name) and singer Row are still listed among the special guests.
Earlier this month, Macklemore, whose real name is Benjamin Haggerty, called for a "Free Palestine" and displayed images of destruction in Gaza during two concerts in New Jersey.