Ed Sheeran Says Macklemore Tour Exit Was Promoters' Call, Not His

Ed Sheeran has publicly addressed Macklemore's departure from his upcoming tour, stating that the decision was made by promoters and venues rather than by him. In a post on Instagram, Sheeran said he was appalled by the conflict between Israel and Palestine and described the suffering on both sides as a human tragedy.

Sheeran said Macklemore had asked to join the tour last year and that he had agreed out of respect for him as an artist, adding that support acts are free to choose their own setlists. After Macklemore's performances at Sheeran's New Jersey shows, however, venues on the upcoming tour dates communicated that they would pull the shows if he remained on the bill, Sheeran said.

He said he was told the stance was based on how Macklemore conveyed part of his message during his performance, rather than on everything that was said. Sheeran said he spent the week in talks with venues, promoters and activists on both sides to try to find a mutual resolution, but that the venues' and promoters' decision was final. He named Robert Kraft as one of the people he spoke with.

Sheeran said Macklemore's contract for the tour was with the promoter, not with him, and that removing him was the promoter's decision. He added that he would not let down fans who had made plans or abandon his touring crew and other support acts who depend on the work.

Sheeran said he has always used his platform to bring people from different backgrounds together and that his shows are meant to be a place of unity, joy and welcome. He rejected any suggestion that he is complicit, saying that choosing not to speak publicly about the conflict does not mean he lacks personal views or does not care.

He explained that he does not use his professional platform for politics because his audience includes young people and children of all backgrounds who do not expect a political forum. While he said he respects Macklemore's strength of purpose, he argued there is room for multiple approaches to the same goal of peace, and that he prefers to keep conversations open rather than closed.

Macklemore, in his own Instagram post, said Sheeran and his team had decided to remove him from the tour. He stressed that he, Sheeran and Pink are not victims, and that the victims are the Palestinian people. He said more than 20,000 children have been killed in Gaza alone.

Describing Sheeran as a friend of 13 years, Macklemore said they had difficult conversations over the past week that ended in fundamental disagreement. He said Sheeran told him that Robert Kraft had called him and that other stadium owners had collectively given an ultimatum: if Macklemore stayed on the tour, Sheeran would not be allowed to play in their venues. Gillette Stadium, where a show was scheduled, is owned by the Kraft Group.

Macklemore said Sheeran told him the words "Free Palestine" and the Palestinian flag were hurtful to many people he had spoken with. Macklemore said he had been saying the same message on stages around the world for almost three years, and questioned why it became an issue now. He argued there is no neutral position between the oppressor and the oppressed, and said accusations of antisemitism should not be used to shield Israel from criticism. He added that he hoped the disagreement would not end their friendship.