Four supporting acts, including Finneas, Irish group Beoga and Aaron Rowe, have withdrawn from Ed Sheeran’s “Loop Tour” following rapper Macklemore’s removal from the remaining U.S. dates.

Macklemore says billionaire businessman and New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft contacted Sheeran and helped persuade stadium and venue owners to oppose his performances following his recent pro-Palestinian comments. The tour promoter confirmed that several venues would not allow concerts to proceed with Macklemore on the lineup.

Kraft has defended his position, saying he believes Macklemore crossed a line into antisemitism and that he has a responsibility to speak out against hate.

Finneas, Beoga and Rowe have cited concerns about artists being silenced and expressed support for Palestinians.

The controversy has also renewed scrutiny of Kraft’s name appearing in Jeffrey Epstein-related documents released by the U.S. Department of Justice in 2026. The documents mention Kraft in connection with Epstein’s 2019 legal case, including an account that Epstein told his lawyer he was trying to have Kraft hire him. Kraft later added the lawyer to his defence team.

The developments have reignited online debate over Kraft’s influence, political advocacy and his past association with Epstein.