Episode
Ed Sheeran's support acts quit tour in support of Macklemore's 'Free Palestine' comments
- Podcast
- Newshour
- Published
- Sep 16, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 2831
- Processing state
not_requested- Canonical source
- http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/w1730bn6n9bh09n
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Summary
One of the world's biggest music stars - Ed Sheeran faces the biggest controversy of his career, as his support acts on his tour quit when fellow musician Macklemore was dropped from the line up following his speech in support of a 'Free Palestine'. The speech drew controversy when his comments led to a petition from the Israeli American Council demanding his removal from the tour. It was successful, and other musicians dropped out in solidarity. Also on the programme: Ursula von der Leyen has backed a proposal for Canada to become the European Union's first associate member, as the country's rift with the United States deepens and the Natural History Museum opens a gallery sealed off to the public for more than 80 years. (Photo: Ed Sheeran gig Credit: Jon Wright, BBC) (Photo: Credit:)