Ed Sheeran is setting the record straight on Macklemore’s controversial exit from his Loop Tour after voicing his support for Palestine on stage.
“After Macklemore’s performances at my New Jersey shows, venues on my upcoming tour dates communicated that they would pull the shows if he was still supporting,” Sheeran, 35, claimed via Instagram on Tuesday, September 15. “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. I spoke with the venues at length all week to try and build a bridge.”
Sheeran continued, “Macklemore coming off tour was the promoter’s decision, it was not mine. Macklemore’s contract for the tour was with the promoter, not me.”
One day earlier, news broke that Macklemore, 43, would not be performing at Sheeran’s upcoming shows after he chanted “Free Palestine” and denounced genocide in all forms before performing his protest track “Hind’s Hall” in opposition of Israel’s war in Gaza during an opening set in New Jersey on September 4 and 5.
Sheeran confirmed that he allows his supporting acts to “play a setlist of their choosing.” He also made it clear that “I respect [Macklemore] as an artist.”
At the same time, the singer declined to share his personal views regarding Israel’s response to the deadly Oct. 7 terrorist attacks, which has resulted in the estimated deaths of over 70,000 Palestinian civilians, including more than 20,000 children, per the Palestinian Health Ministry and the United Nations, at the time of publication.
Instead, Sheeran said he wants to use his platform and music “to bring people from all backgrounds and cultures together.”
“Those who have been to one of my shows will know that they are about unity, joy, escapism, love and a place for everyone to feel welcome,” he said. “I have spent this week trying to build bridges, to find a solution and unfortunately, was unable to do so. I know who I am, both as a person and as an artist, and those who know my heart know my values too.”
In his own social media statement, Macklemore expressed his hope that the situation wouldn’t ruin his nearly 13-year friendship with Sheeran.
At the same time, he’s not backing down from his mission to bring awareness to the Palestinian people, and in addition to the Lebanese people, Sudanese people, Congolese people and anyone who is marginalized.
“I didn’t need 10 shows from Ed. I needed 2. Two chances to stand in front of 90,000 people and say the words that somehow became too dangerous to say,” Macklemore shared in his Instagram statement. “Free Palestine. But if those words cost me the stage, while turning the conversation back to Palestine, then it was the most successful tour I’ve ever been on.”
Since his post, Macklemore has received public support from several celebrities, including Ava Phillippe, Ms. Rachel, Younes Bendjima and Zara Larsson.
“A LOT of the venues / owners are rallied together this way,” Kehlani wrote in the comments section of Macklemore’s post. “Honored to know you brother. adore you. behind you!!!!”
