Ed Sheeran: Macklemore Tour Removal Was Venue, Promoter Decision

Ed Sheeran has stated that Macklemore's removal from his "Loop Tour" was a decision made by concert promoters and venues, not by him directly. The controversy arose after Macklemore's pro-Palestinian statements during his performances, which led venues to threaten cancellation of the shows.

Sheeran explained in a statement that Macklemore had been invited to join the tour out of respect for him as an artist. However, following Macklemore's performances at Sheeran's New Jersey shows, venues for upcoming tour dates informed organizers that they would withdraw the shows if Macklemore remained on the lineup. Sheeran indicated that this stance was based on how Macklemore conveyed his message during his performance, rather than the entirety of his remarks.

"I spoke with the venues at length all week to try and build a bridge," Sheeran wrote. "One of those people was Robert Kraft." He added that he was involved in direct talks with promoters and activists from both sides to find a resolution, but the venue's and promoter's decision was final. Sheeran emphasized that Macklemore's contract was with the promoter, not with him, and that his removal was the promoter's decision.

Macklemore was slated to perform at eight remaining U.S. dates on Sheeran's tour. The rapper had claimed that Robert Kraft, owner of the New England Patriots and Gillette Stadium, had convinced other stadium owners to oppose his participation.

Kraft, in a statement, confirmed his stadium's commitment to a welcoming environment and stated that Macklemore's actions and rhetoric crossed a line. He argued that advocacy for Palestinians should not come at the expense of the Jewish community and should not ignore the actions of Hamas. Kraft expressed his respect for Sheeran and his music's ability to unite people, and stated he would welcome a conversation with Macklemore to discuss the facts, with the shared goal of peace.

Sheeran also addressed the situation, describing the conflict between Israel and Palestine as a "human tragedy" and expressing dismay over the suffering on both sides. He explained that he deliberately avoids using his professional platform for political statements, as his audience includes young people and children from diverse backgrounds. He stated that concertgoers attend his shows expecting a place of safety and sanctuary, not a political forum.

"I am not complicit," Sheeran 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."

Following Macklemore's removal, several supporting acts withdrew from the tour in solidarity. These included Finneas, Aaron Rowe, Beoga, and Lukas Graham. Rowe stated that as Irish people, they are aware of genocide and forced famine, and he could not stand by while billionaires allegedly used their power to silence voices speaking against Israeli actions. Beoga expressed belief in dialogue for the Palestinian cause, while Lukas Graham called it a difficult but necessary decision.

Macklemore, in his own statement, acknowledged his removal from the tour but stressed that he is not a victim, nor is Sheeran, Pink, or others with careers and safety. He emphasized that the true victims are the Palestinian people, highlighting the significant number of children killed in Gaza and the ongoing violence.

Messina Touring Group, the promoter for the U.S. leg of Sheeran's tour, stated that venues threatened to pull shows and potentially cancel the entire tour if Macklemore remained on the lineup, impacting hundreds of thousands of fans. They confirmed that after discussions with stakeholders, Macklemore would not perform on the remaining dates.

Macklemore concluded by stating that even if his words cost him his stage time, they successfully turned the conversation back to Palestine, making it his most successful tour in that regard.