Singer-songwriter Finneas quits Ed Sheeran tour in solidarity with ousted Macklemore

Singer-songwriter Finneas has withdrawn from Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour, joining Irish singer Aaron Rowe and the band Beoga in leaving the trek Tuesday following Macklemore’s removal over his onstage support for Palestinians.

“Artists must not be silenced when they speak up for the oppressed,” Finneas wrote in a social media post announcing his exit. He had been scheduled to open for Mr. Sheeran on several South American dates in late November and early December.

Mr. Rowe cited his own family’s history in explaining his decision. “As Irish people, we know all too well about genocide, forced famine and violent occupation,” he wrote on Instagram. Lukas Graham remained on the bill as of Monday.

Macklemore was removed from the remaining U.S. leg of the tour after telling crowds at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Sept. 4 and 5 to “free Palestine” and performing his protest song “Hind’s Hall.” Tour promoter Messina Touring Group said venues on the upcoming dates would not host a concert with Macklemore on the bill.

New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft confirmed he barred Macklemore from performing at Gillette Stadium, which he owns. “This decision is not about diminishing the suffering of innocent Palestinians,” Mr. Kraft said in a statement. Macklemore has separately alleged that Mr. Kraft pressured other stadium owners to issue Mr. Sheeran an ultimatum, a claim Mr. Kraft did not directly address.

Mr. Sheeran has said the decision to remove Macklemore came from the tour’s promoter, not from him.