Aaron Rowe defended Ed Sheeran after leaving Sheeran’s Loop Tour, arguing that criticism should focus more on Gillette Stadium owner Robert Kraft and alleged efforts to suppress pro-Palestinian views. Rowe described Sheeran’s decision to remove Macklemore as a panicked mistake rather than evidence of support for Zionism, while acknowledging that Macklemore should not have been dropped.

Rowe said Sheeran had supported artists with pro-Palestinian views and characterised him as kind but fallible. Macklemore was removed after his “Free Palestine” remarks prompted controversy, with Sheeran later saying the decision came from the promoter after Kraft reportedly presented an ultimatum; Rowe, Finneas, Lukas Graham and Sheeran’s backing band Beoga subsequently left the tour.