Ed Sheeran Says Macklemore’s Tour Removal Was ‘Promoter’s Decision, Not Mine’

Ed Sheeran has finally addressed the controversy surrounding Macklemore’s removal from his U.S. Loop Tour, issuing a lengthy statement on Instagram Tuesday that pushed back on claims he was responsible for the decision. “Macklemore coming off tour was the promoter’s decision, it was not mine,” Sheeran wrote. “Macklemore’s contract for the tour was with the promoter, not me”.

Sheeran explained that after Macklemore’s performances at MetLife Stadium on September 4 and 5, where he declared “Free Palestine” and performed his protest song “Hind’s Hall”, venues on the upcoming tour dates communicated they would pull the shows if Macklemore remained on the bill. “I spoke with the venues at length all week to try and build a bridge. One of those people was Robert Kraft. I was also involved in direct talks with promoters along with activists on both sides to try and find a mutual resolution for all, but the venue’s and promoter’s decision was final” . Messina Touring Group, the tour’s promoter, confirmed Macklemore’s removal in a statement to Rolling Stone, saying venues “will not allow a concert to take place with Macklemore on the lineup”.

The Ed Sheeran Macklemore statement also addressed why he chooses not to speak publicly on political issues. “I am not complicit. I have my personal views on this devastating conflict. Just because I choose not to speak publicly, it doesn’t mean I don’t have them, and it doesn’t mean I don’t care,” he wrote. “There is a reason I do not use my professional platform for politics, my audience includes young people, often children, of all backgrounds”. He added that he respects Macklemore’s “strength of purpose to stand up and shout for what he believes,” but said “there is room for multiple approaches to the same end: peace”.