Ed Sheeran support act Aaron Rowe quits tour after Macklemore dropped from lineup

A support act for part of Ed Sheeran's tour has spectacularly dropped out just a day after Macklemore announced he had been dropped from the lineup.

Macklemore was booted from the remaining US dates of Sheeran's Loop Tour following his onstage comments about the war in Palestine.

The rapper's speech calling to 'free Palestine' was also met with criticism.

In a new statement, support act Aaron Rowe, who was featuring on the North American leg of the tour, announced he would be leaving the tour as he thanked the A Team singer for 'changing my life'.

In a post on Instagram on Tuesday night, the singer from Dublin said Irish people 'know too well about genocide, forced famine and violent occupation'.

He penned: "I have made the decision to withdraw as a support act for Ed Sheeran's 'The Loop' North American Tour. I don't take the decision lightly. Ed has been a friend to me and has changed my life, I could never thank him enough for this.

"But as Irish people we know all too well about genocide, forced famine and violent occupation.

"I cannot stand by and allow billionaires to use their position of power to silence the rightful voices of those who speak up against Israeli genocide and who highlight the savage murder of children.

"I would lose all respect for myself to carry on as normal. I need to be true to myself and my ancestors who resisted colonisation, and fought for a freedom that I enjoy today in Ireland. FREE PALESTINE."

It comes after Macklemore announced he was being dropped from the lineup. He had been opening for Sheeran at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium on 4 September when he said 'free Palestine' on stage, thanked others who had stood up for Palestinians and said he wanted people living in Gaza and the West Bank to know they hadn't been forgotten.

Messina Touring Group confirmed that some venues had said they wouldn't let Macklemore perform which meant shows wouldn't go ahead.

The rapper and DJ said he understood by people didn't take sides, but added there was 'no neutral position between the oppressor and the oppressed' and that 'refusing to take a side doesn’t leave you in the middle'.

In his statement, he reiterated his support for Palestinians and said Sheeran was a friend who had been put 'in a ****** up position'.

Sheeran later responded with a statement of his own, saying on Instagram: "After Macklemore's performances at my New Jersey shows, venues on my upcoming tour dates communicated that they would pull the shows if he was still supporting.

"I was informed that this stance was based on how Macklemore conveyed part of his message during his performance, rather than on everything that was said.

"I spoke with the venues at length all week to try and build a bridge.

"I was also involved in direct talks with promoters along with activists on both sides to try and find a mutual resolution for all, but the venue's and promoter's decision was final.

"Macklemore coming off tour was the promoter's decision, it was not mine. Macklemore's contract for the tour was with the promoter, not me.

"I would never let down the fans who had made plans, nor would I abandon the touring crew and the other support acts and musicians who rely on me for work and to make a living."

Ed Sheeran's representatives have been contacted for comment by LADbible after Aaron Rowe also quit.