Ed Sheeran says removing Macklemore from tour was not his decision

Ed Sheeran has commented on Macklemore’s removal from the US leg of his tour, saying the decision was made by the tour’s promoters and concert venue operators, not by him.

Macklemore had been scheduled to perform as a special guest at the remaining eight shows of Sheeran’s “Loop Tour.” However, according to promoter Messina Touring Group, several venues said they would not host the concerts if Macklemore remained on the bill.

The dispute emerged after Macklemore performed at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Sept. 4. He said he had joined the tour to chant “Free Palestine” at US stadiums and express solidarity with people living in Gaza and the West Bank.

In a statement posted on Instagram, Sheeran said he was horrified by the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and described the suffering experienced by both sides as a human tragedy. He said venues had told organizers they would not host the tour while Macklemore remained an opening act.

The singer said he had tried to mediate discussions among venue owners, promoters and activists but was unable to find a solution. “Macklemore’s removal from the tour was the promoter’s decision, not mine,” Sheeran wrote.

Sheeran also defended his decision not to turn his concerts into a platform for his personal political views. He stressed that his decision not to speak publicly did not mean he was indifferent to the conflict.

Macklemore had earlier said that Robert Kraft, owner of the New England Patriots, opposed his participation in the tour and encouraged other stadium owners to do the same. Kraft said his objection related to broader rhetoric and imagery that he considered offensive to the Jewish community. Macklemore has denied allegations of antisemitism.

Following Sheeran’s statement, several artists announced that they were leaving the tour in solidarity with Macklemore and Palestinians. Irish singer Aaron Rowe said he was withdrawing from the remaining 10 US shows because he could not continue the tour while artists speaking about Gaza were being silenced.

Irish group Beoga, which has performed with Sheeran for many years, also left the tour. Its members said they remained committed to defending Palestinian rights.

Finneas, who had been scheduled to perform at six of Sheeran’s shows in South America later this year, subsequently withdrew as well. “Artists should not be silenced when they speak up for the oppressed. I stand with Palestine and its people,” he said.

Danish band Lukas Graham also announced its departure, saying artists should be able to speak about war and the killing of civilians.