Ed Sheeran has stated that the promoter of his United States tour is responsible for the decision to remove rapper Macklemore after he expressed support for Palestine. In an Instagram post on Tuesday, Sheeran emphasized the importance of clarifying the situation. He explained that venues threatened to cancel future shows if Macklemore remained on the tour following his comments at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey earlier this month, where he made pro-Palestine statements including 'Free Palestine'. Sheeran noted, 'I was informed that this stance was based on how Macklemore conveyed part of this message during his performance, rather than on everything that was said.'
Following Macklemore's removal, several supporting acts announced their departure from Sheeran's tour, including Aaron Rowe, Beoga, Lukas Graham, and Finneas, citing solidarity with Macklemore. Robert Kraft, owner of the New England Patriots, confirmed that he pressured Sheeran to drop Macklemore due to what he described as a 'broader history of antisemitic rhetoric and imagery'. Macklemore claimed that Sheeran informed him of a boycott organized by Kraft among stadium owners unless he was removed from the tour.
Macklemore stated, 'I told him that if those words were more offensive than the tens of thousands of Palestinian children being killed by Israel, then there was a fundamental disconnect between where those people stood and where I stood.' Sheeran clarified that the decision to remove Macklemore was made by the promoter, not him, and expressed his disapproval of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine. He stated, 'I am not complicit. I have my personal views on the devastating conflict.'
Sheeran further explained his reluctance to engage in political discourse during his performances, noting that audiences do not expect a political forum at his shows. He acknowledged Macklemore's commitment to his beliefs but emphasized his choice to use his platform for safety and open dialogue rather than political statements.