Ed Sheeran Says Decision to Drop Macklemore From Tour Was Not Mine

Ed Sheeran addressed the removal of Macklemore from his tour in an Instagram post on Tuesday (Sept. 15), clarifying his views on the conflict in Gaza and his activist approach.

The statement followed the announcement a day earlier that the rapper was dropped from the US leg of the Loop Tour due to a Free Palestine demonstration during two concerts. Sheeran stated that he is appalled by the conflict between Israel and Palestine.

Venues on the upcoming tour dates communicated that they would pull the shows if Macklemore continued supporting, Sheeran explained. He noted that the stance was based on how Macklemore conveyed part of his message rather than everything said.

Sheeran captioned his post to set out facts, stating he spent the week speaking with stadiums and activists on both sides to unify the parties. The four-time Grammy winner wrote that the venue and promoter decision was final and his bridge-building efforts were unsuccessful.

Billboard reached out to Macklemore’s representative for comment.

Controversy surrounding the Loop Tour began earlier in September after the Thrift Shop artist called for an end to Palestinian suffering in Israel’s war against Hamas following the Oct. 7, 2023, terrorist attacks. The Associated Press reported in June that over 73,000 Palestinians have died in the conflict, citing Gaza’s Health Ministry.

Macklemore has argued that Israel is committing genocide against Palestinians, a view acknowledged by the United Nations but denied by Israel and allies including the US government. At MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., the rapper stated he joined the tour to stand in stadiums and declare Free Palestine.

Following an Israeli-American Council petition and online calls from figures such as Pink, tour promoter Messina Touring Group told Rolling Stone on Monday (Sept. 14) that Macklemore was removed because his retention would cause tour cancellation and affect hundreds of thousands of fans.

Sheeran emphasized that Messina made the decision. The Shape of You artist wrote that he respects Macklemore’s strength of purpose, though he believes multiple approaches exist for achieving peace and chooses to use his platform for safety, sanctuary, and diplomacy.

Sheeran’s remarks about not being complicit and holding personal views on the conflict likely respond to Macklemore’s statement issued on Tuesday after his removal. While calling Sheeran a brother and friend of 13 years, the rapper criticized Sheeran’s neutral approach.

Macklemore wrote that no neutral position exists between the oppressor and the oppressed, adding that he needed two shows to speak in front of 90,000 people. He stated that losing the stage while returning the conversation to Palestine made it his most successful tour.

Macklemore identified Gillette Stadium owner Robert Kraft as the driving force behind venue owners refusing to host the tour if the Same Love musician remained. Sheeran later confirmed he spoke directly with Kraft.

Kraft released a statement on Tuesday stating the ultimatum did not diminish innocent Palestinian suffering or deny advocacy rights, but asserted that advocacy should not come at the expense of the Jewish community.

See Sheeran’s full statement below.