British singer Ed Sheeran addressed the controversy on Tuesday, September 15, surrounding the removal of rapper Macklemore from his Loop Tour, saying the decision was not his own. Macklemore had been dropped as the tour's opening act after chanting "Free Palestine" on stage during two early September concerts at MetLife Stadium near New York, telling the crowd that Palestinians had not been forgotten.
Sheeran, known for hits including "The Shape of You," said on social media that Macklemore's departure was a decision made by the promoter, not by him. He said Macklemore's contract as his opening act had been arranged directly with promoter Messina Touring Group.
Venues Threatened to Cancel Shows
According to Sheeran, venues hosting upcoming tour dates had indicated they would cancel the concerts if Macklemore continued as the opening act. He said he had spent the entire week in discussions with venue officials, including Robert Kraft, owner of Gillette Stadium in Boston, but was unable to find a solution.
Robert Kraft is a prominent American businessman best known as the longtime owner of the New England Patriots and Gillette Stadium.
Sheeran Explains His Silence on Gaza
Sheeran also addressed his general policy of not speaking publicly on political issues, including the war in Gaza. He wrote on Instagram that he was not complicit, that he held personal opinions on what he called a devastating conflict, and that choosing not to speak publicly did not mean he had no opinions or felt unconcerned.
He added that people who come to his shows do not expect to take part in a political forum. He said he respected the strength of Macklemore's convictions, but that there were different approaches to reaching the same goal of peace.
Macklemore's Response
The day before Sheeran's statement, Macklemore had said on social media that Ed Sheeran and his team were behind his removal from the Loop Tour.
