Ed Sheeran has finally addressed the removal of Macklemore from the U.S. leg of his Loop tour, saying the decision was made by the tour’s promoter after venues threatened to pull their shows over the rapper’s recent pro-Palestinian comments from the stage in New Jersey.
In a lengthy Instagram post, Sheeran said he was “appalled by the conflict between Israel and Palestine,” adding that “the suffering and pain caused on both sides is a human tragedy.” He continued:
“The suffering and pain caused on both sides is a human tragedy. There are too many wars across the world causing immeasurable pain, none of which should be tolerated. Macklemore asked to join my tour last year and I agreed, because I respect him as an artist. As with all my support acts, I agree that they play a setlist of their choosing.
“After Macklemore’s performances at my New Jersey shows, venues on my upcoming tour dates communicated that they would pull the shows if he was still supporting. I was informed that this stance was based on how Macklemore conveyed part of his message during his performance, rather than on everything that was said. I spoke with the venues at length all week to try and build a bridge. One of those people was [New England Patriots owner] 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.
“Macklemore coming off tour was the promoter’s decision, it was not mine. Macklemore’s contract for the tour was with the promoter, not me. I would never let down the fans who had made plans, nor would I abandon the touring crew and the other support acts and musicians who rely on me for work and to make a living.
“I have always used my platform and music to bring people from all backgrounds and cultures together and this won’t ever change. Those who have been to one of my shows will know that they are about unity, joy, escapism, love, and a place for everyone to feel welcome. 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. Nor does it mean I don’t support causes in my own, personal way.
“There is a reason I do not use my professional platform for politics – my audience includes young people, often children, of all backgrounds. Those who come to my shows do not expect a political forum. I respect Macklemore’s strength of purpose to stand up and shout for what he believes. However, there is room for multiple approaches to the same end: peace. I choose to use my fame and platform to be a place of safety and sanctuary, to maintain diplomacy and keep conversations open, not closed. If we only focus on shouting the loudest, nothing will ever change. There are different approaches to being an advocate for change.
“I have spent this week trying to build bridges, to find a solution and unfortunately, was unable to do so. I know who I am, both as a person and as an artist, and those who know my heart know my values too. – Ed.”
Sheeran’s comments arrive after a week in which the fate of one of his tour’s opening acts became an increasingly public dispute. Macklemore used his Sept. 4 and 5 performances at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey to make an impassioned statement in support of Palestinians, telling the crowd that he wanted people in Gaza and the occupied West Bank to know they had not been forgotten. He then performed “Hind’s Hall” as images depicting destruction in Gaza appeared on the stadium screens.
Macklemore’s remarks prompted an Israeli American Council petition calling for his removal from the remaining dates, arguing that a Sheeran concert should not become a platform for what the group characterized as a “one-sided political agenda.” The speech also generated a second wave of attention after Pink reposted a call for Macklemore to be dropped from the tour.
The controversy ultimately moved from the stage to the stadium business. Messina Touring Group, promoter of the U.S. leg, said venues on upcoming dates had informed the company that they would not allow a concert with Macklemore on the lineup, a situation the promoter said could have resulted in cancellation of the tour and affected hundreds of thousands of fans. Macklemore was scheduled to perform at eight of the remaining 10 shows.
The tour resumes Sept. 19 in Philadelphia, with Macklemore no longer on the bill.