Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has publicly backed Ed Sheeran after every remaining support act pulled out of his Loop Tour, saying the singer had been placed in an "impossible position" amid a row triggered by the removal of US rapper Macklemore. Macklemore was dropped from the line-up following pro-Palestinian remarks and images of Gaza he displayed during two New Jersey concerts, which drew condemnation from some Jewish groups and a petition calling for his removal. Nandy's comments effectively endorse the decision to part ways with Macklemore, while Sheeran has faced a wave of criticism and lost followers online as he risks being "cancelled" over the affair.

Sheeran has said the decision to remove Macklemore was made by tour promoters, not himself, after venues including Gillette Stadium indicated they would cancel shows if Macklemore remained on the bill. He insisted he was "not complicit" and does hold personal views on the conflict, even if he chooses not to voice them publicly. Since the split, further acts including Aaron Rowe, Finneas, Lukas Graham and Sheeran's own band Beoga have announced their withdrawal from the tour. Speaking to LBC, Nandy acknowledged the "desperately difficult line" between politics and entertainment, noting many concertgoers simply want an escape from difficult times, while also praising Sheeran's charitable work in Ipswich.