Ed Sheeran has clarified that he did not personally remove rapper Macklemore from his upcoming tour dates following Macklemore's anti-Israel remarks during a recent performance. Sheeran stated that the decision was made by the promoter.
In a statement on Instagram, Sheeran, 35, emphasized that Macklemore's contract for the tour was with the promoter, not directly with him. "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," Sheeran wrote, indicating his commitment to the tour's continuity.
Sheeran also mentioned that he had spoken with Patriots owner Robert Kraft following the controversy surrounding Macklemore's removal. The details of those conversations were not specified. The rapper Macklemore had previously performed as an opening act for Sheeran's tour dates. One notable incident involved Macklemore displaying "FREE PALESTINE" on a stadium screen during a performance at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on September 5, 2026.