Ed Sheeran says Macklemore tour exit wasn’t his call after ‘Free Palestine’ remarks

LONDON, Sept 16 — In a lengthy Instagram post, British singer Ed Sheeran denied he was responsible for removing Macklemore from his tour following the rapper's pro-Palestinian remarks. Sheeran stated that the promoter, Messina Touring Group, ended Macklemore's contract. The US rapper, who was opening for Sheeran's "Loop Tour", shouted "Free Palestine!" and stated Palestinians were "not forgotten" during two concerts earlier this month at the MetLife Stadium near New York.

Sheeran explained that venues on his tour informed him they would cancel the shows if Macklemore continued to perform. Despite Sheeran's efforts to resolve the issue with event owner Robert Kraft, he was unable to do so. Sheeran also discussed his stance on not commenting publicly on political issues, like the war in Gaza. He emphasized that his silence does not mean he is indifferent and respected Macklemore's stance.

Macklemore later tweeted that Sheeran and his team were not involved in his removal from the tour, alleging that Kraft and other venues demanded his exclusion. Kraft confirmed that Gillette Stadium would not host performances with hate speech.