Ed Sheeran Speaks Out on Macklemore Tour Departure, Denies Complicity

A day after dropping Macklemore from his US stadium tour, Ed Sheeran has spoken.

On Monday, Macklemore was removed from eight remaining scheduled dates as an opening act on Sheeran's Loop Tour. At two Sheeran shows in New Jersey's MetLife Stadium over Labor Day weekend, the Seattle rapper had used his platform to protest Israel's genocidal military campaign in Gaza and call for a free Palestine, which sparked backlash from the Israeli American Council and other Israel supporters such as Pink.

In a message explaining the rationale behind his statements, Macklemore said New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft had spearheaded the effort to get him dropped from the tour. Kraft personally called Sheeran to say the tour would be banned from Boston-area Gillette Stadium if Macklemore stayed on as an opener, and he encouraged fellow stadium owners to adopt the same stance. As a result, promoter Messina Touring Group removed Macklemore from all upcoming shows, stating that due to the protesting venues, the tour would not be able to continue with Macklemore's involvement.

Macklemore's statement affirmed his friendship with Sheeran while calling out the singer-songwriter for so staunchly holding onto his apolitical stance. "Taking a side can cost you," Macklemore wrote. "Money, brand deals, sponsorships, festivals, private shows, relationships and access. I've lost all of those things. But there is no neutral position between the oppressor and the oppressed. When one side has the bombs and bottomless financial and military support from America, refusing to take a side doesn't leave you in the middle."

Now Sheeran has posted a statement of his own. In an Instagram post captioned "It’s important that I set out some facts," he laid out the following:

> • I am appalled by the conflict between Israel and Palestine. 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 Robert Kraft. I was also involved with 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 tour is scheduled to resume this Saturday, Sept. 19 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. Lukas Graham and Aaron Rowe will open the show.

_Originally reported by [Stereogum](https://stereogum.com/2511472/ed-sheeran-addresses-macklemores-removal-from-tour-i-am-not-complicit/news/)._