Ed Sheeran has spoken out after Macklemore was removed from the remaining US dates of his tour.
Sheeran said the decision was made by the tour promoter and not by him.
Ed Sheeran explains Macklemore’s removal
Macklemore was scheduled to perform as the opening act on several remaining dates of Sheeran’s Loop Tour.
His removal followed comments he made during a performance at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
The rapper spoke in support of Palestinians and called for a “Free Palestine”.
Macklemore later said he had been removed from the tour because of his political statements.
He also said he had difficult conversations with Sheeran and his team over the issue.
Sheeran says promoters made the decision
Sheeran has now rejected the idea that he personally removed Macklemore.
He said the decision came from the promoter after several venues raised concerns.
According to Sheeran, some venues threatened to cancel upcoming shows if Macklemore remained on the tour.
The singer said he tried to find a solution.
However, those efforts did not prevent Macklemore from leaving the tour.
Sheeran also said he did not want to disappoint fans who had already made plans to attend the concerts.
Macklemore’s comments sparked controversy
Macklemore has been an outspoken supporter of the Palestinian cause.
His latest comments renewed debate around political messages at concerts.
Some groups criticised his remarks, while others defended his right to speak about the conflict.
The Israeli-American Council had also launched a petition calling for Macklemore to be removed from the tour.
Macklemore has rejected accusations that his criticism of Israel is antisemitic.
He has said his focus is on Palestinian rights and the wider humanitarian situation.
Sheeran says he wants concerts to remain neutral
Sheeran said he respects Macklemore as an artist and respects his passion for his beliefs.
However, he explained that he prefers his own concerts to remain spaces that bring people together.
He said his audience includes people with different political views and backgrounds.
For that reason, Sheeran said he does not want his shows to become political platforms.
The singer also said he is deeply concerned about the suffering linked to the conflict.
However, he has chosen not to make political statements from the stage.
New opening acts will join the tour
Macklemore had been expected to perform at eight of Sheeran’s remaining US shows.
His slot will now be filled by Lukas Graham and Aaron Rowe.
The dispute has placed both artists at the centre of a wider debate about music, politics and freedom of expression.
For now, Sheeran has made his position clear.
He says the decision to remove Macklemore was made by the promoters and venues, rather than by him.
Source: abc News
