Ed Sheeran dropped pro-Palestinian rapper Macklemore from the Loop Tour after Macklemore shouted "Free Palestine" on stage, prompting all of Sheeran's opening acts to quit in solidarity and plunging the tour into crisis, the BBC reports. Fans with tickets are split: Damien Given from Northern Ireland said he is "still torn" about attending Sheeran's Philadelphia show this weekend, while long-time fan Patti Ann said she supports Sheeran's decision and plans to attend his Atlanta date in October. Ticket prices for Sheeran's remaining U.S., Mexico and South America shows have fallen as boycott calls spread, and some fans who sought refunds were refused by ticketing services. Matt Jaye, a Jewish-American from Florida, said he contacted Ticketmaster for a refund for a November Tampa show and was denied, then felt somewhat reassured after Macklemore was removed. Sheeran issued a statement saying he is "appalled by the conflict between Israel and Palestine," that he will not be drawn into a political debate, and that concertgoers do not expect his shows to be political forums. The controversy will mark Sheeran's first time back on stage since it began and has left some ticket-holders demanding refunds because the line-up no longer matches the show they bought.
