Irish radio station Classic Hits Radio removes Ed Sheeran's songs after Macklemore's dismissal from US tour

Ed Sheeran's US tour has been thrown into turmoil after he dismissed rapper Macklemore as a support act, following Macklemore's on-stage declaration of "free Palestine" during a concert in New Jersey. The decision came after Gillette Stadium owner Robert Kraft allegedly threatened to ban Sheeran from his venues if Macklemore remained on the tour. In response, all other support acts, including Irish artists Aaron Rowe and Beoga, withdrew from the remaining dates in protest. The fallout has been severe: Classic Hits Radio in Ireland has removed Sheeran's music from its playlist, and Sheeran has lost over 260,000 Instagram followers in three days. Sheeran is due to perform in Philadelphia on Saturday.