00:01Tonight, more fallout over Ed Sheeran's Loop Tour,
00:04with the Thinking Out Loud singer supporting acts now withdrawing,
00:08in protest of Macklemore being dropped from the tour after comments like this.
00:15Phineas, who has publicly supported Palestinians alongside his sister Billie Eilish,
00:19posting today,
00:20Artists must not be silenced when they speak up for the oppressed.
00:24Bioga, Sheeran's house band, Danish band Lucas Graham,
00:28and Irish singer Aaron Rowe also announcing their departure on social media.
00:33Rowe thanking Sheeran for the opportunity, but writing,
00:36I cannot stand by and allow billionaires to use their position of power
00:40to silence the rightful voices of those who speak up against Israeli genocide,
00:45referencing New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft.
00:48Macklemore said Monday that Kraft had rallied some of the other stadium owners
00:52and warned Sheeran,
00:53if Macklemore stays on the tour, you will not be allowed to play.
00:57Kraft has previously said this decision is not about diminishing the suffering of innocent Palestinians.
01:03With backlash growing, Sheeran now breaking his silence,
01:07clarifying he's been trying to build a bridge,
01:10but Macklemore's removal was the promoter's decision.
01:13He wrote,
01:14There is a reason I do not use my professional platform for politics.
01:18My audience includes young people, often children of all backgrounds.
01:22Adding,
01:23I respect Macklemore's strength of purpose to stand up and shout for what he believes.
01:28However, there is room for multiple approaches to the same end.
01:32Peace.
01:32Emily Ikeda, NBC News.
01:35We thank you for watching and remember, stay updated on breaking news and top stories on the NBC News app
01:41or watch live on our YouTube channel.
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