Irish musical acts Aaron Rowe and Beoga have officially withdrawn from Ed Sheeran's ongoing tour in protest over the removal of American rapper Macklemore from the lineup following his onstage comments regarding Palestine.

Macklemore was dropped from upcoming performance dates following objections from venue owners and tour promoters. The rapper had delivered a speech expressing solidarity with Palestinians and calling for a "Free Palestine" during a concert at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey earlier this month. Robert Kraft, owner of the Kraft Group and Massachusetts' Gillette Stadium, was among those who objected to Macklemore remaining on the bill.

In a statement released on Tuesday, Ed Sheeran addressed the growing controversy, stating that the decision to remove Macklemore was made by the tour's promoter, Messina Touring Group, rather than himself. Sheeran expressed deep concern over the conflict in the Middle East but explained that he preferred not to use his professional stage as a political platform.

Following Sheeran's remarks, Irish singer-songwriter Aaron Rowe, who had been scheduled to open for the remaining North American tour dates, announced his departure via social media. Citing Ireland's historical experience, Rowe stated that he could not remain on the tour while artists were being silenced for speaking out against violence in Gaza.

Traditional Irish group Beoga, who have served as Sheeran's live backing band and co-written several songs with the British artist, also confirmed their exit in solidarity. Other international opening acts, including Danish pop group Lukas Graham and American musician Finneas, subsequently announced their own decisions to pull out of the tour.