Ed Sheeran says he did not make the decision to drop Macklemore from his tour.
The "Perfect" singer is breaking his silence after facing backlash over Macklemore being removed from the Loop Tour for making pro-Palestinian comments.
Sheeran began his statement "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," Sheeran wrote.
"Macklemore coming off tour was the promoter's decision, it was not mine," Sheeran emphasized in a six-slide statement posted to Instagram on Tuesday, Sept. 15. "Macklemore's contract for the tour was with the promoter, not me."
Messina Touring Group,
the promoter behind the U.S. leg of Sheeran's tour, confirmed Macklemore's departure in a Sept. 14 statement to Rolling Stone.
Why was Macklemore removed from Ed Sheeran's tour?
Macklemore used his performances during an early September Sheeran tour stop at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey to call for a "Free Palestine" and perform "Hind's Hall," his protest song inspired by the war in Gaza.
Then, Macklemore announced on Sept. 14 that "Ed Sheeran and his team have made the decision to remove me from The Loop tour."
The rapper said Sheeran told him that New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, whose company owns Gillette Stadium, would not allow Macklemore to perform there. "Ed also told me that Kraft had rallied some of the other stadium owners," Macklemore wrote, alleging that they threatened to bar Sheeran’' concerts if the rapper remained on the tour.
Macklemore described Sheeran as being in a difficult position and said the two had a "painful disagreement" over the controversy. Still, he indicated that their longtime friendship was not necessarily over.
"Our friendship can't change my responsibility to tell the truth about what happened," Macklemore wrote.
Ed Sheeran says venues threatened to cancel shows
Sheeran said Macklemore asked to join his tour last year and that he agreed because he respected him as an artist. He also said his supporting artists are permitted to choose their own setlists.
After the New Jersey shows, however, Sheeran said venues scheduled to host upcoming concerts warned that they would pull the events if Macklemore remained an opening act.
"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," the "Shape of You" singer wrote.
Sheeran confirmed that he spoke with venue representatives, including New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, whose Kraft Group owns Gillette Stadium. "I was also involved in direct talks with promoters along with activists on both sides to try and find a mutual resolution for all." Sheeran added.
Kraft has confirmed that he was behind Macklemore's removal, saying in a statement that he was concerned Macklemore would spread "hate speech" and "antisemitic rhetoric and imagery."
Ultimately, Sheeran said, the venues and promoter made the final decision.
"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," he wrote.
Ed Sheeran argues, 'I am not complicit'
Sheeran also defended his decision not to use his professional platform to push political opinions, saying his concerts are attended by young people and children from a variety of backgrounds.
"I am not complicit," he wrote. "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."
Sheeran said he respected Macklemore’s determination to advocate publicly for his beliefs but argued that artists can take different approaches while seeking the same outcome.
"There is room for multiple approaches to the same end: peace," Sheeran wrote. "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."
Sheeran concluded by saying he had spent the week attempting to "build bridges" but had been unable to find a solution.
"I know who I am, both as a person and as an artist," he wrote, "and those who know my heart know my values too."
Contributing: Jennifer Hassan and Nate Davis, USA TODAY
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Ed Sheeran says decision to drop Macklemore from tour 'was not mine'
