British singer Ed Sheeran has broken his silence regarding rapper Macklemore's recent removal from the US leg of his 'Loop Tour'. Sheeran clarified that the decision to drop Macklemore was made by the tour promoter, not by him, after venues indicated they would not host shows with the rapper on the lineup.
Sheeran took to Instagram on Tuesday, September 15, to address the controversy. He explained that Macklemore's pro-Palestinian comments during recent performances triggered a dispute involving venues and tour organizers. Macklemore had voiced support for Palestine at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium earlier this month, including chanting “Free Palestine” and performing his protest song “Hind’s Hall.”
In his six-slide Instagram post, Sheeran stated, "Macklemore coming off tour was the promoter’s decision; it was not mine. 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." He added that he had engaged with venues throughout the week to resolve the dispute, but their decision, along with the promoter's, was final.
The controversy escalated with Robert Kraft, owner of the New England Patriots and Gillette Stadium, confirming he had pressured for Macklemore to be barred from performing at the Massachusetts venue. Kraft cited a "broader history of antisemitic rhetoric and imagery," though he clarified the decision was not meant to diminish Palestinian suffering but to argue that advocacy should not come at the expense of the Jewish community.
Sheeran also outlined his personal approach to political issues, emphasizing that he prefers not to use his professional platform as a political forum. While respecting Macklemore’s conviction, Sheeran stated, "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."
He concluded by asserting, "I am not complicit. I have my personal views on the 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." Following Macklemore's removal, several other supporting artists, including Finneas, Aaron Rowe, Beoga, and Lukas Graham, announced their departure from the tour in solidarity with Macklemore and Palestinians.