Ed Sheeran Says Dropping Macklemore From Tour Was ‘Promoter’s Decision, Not Mine,’ Explains Why He’s Not Speaking Out on Israel and Palestine

Ed Sheeran has broken his silence regarding Macklemore's removal from the US leg of his Loop tour, clarifying that the decision was made by promoters and venues rather than by him. In a social media post, the British singer-songwriter expressed deep distress over the Israel-Palestine conflict while insisting he was not responsible for the rapper's exclusion. The controversy erupted after Macklemore delivered passionate pro-Palestine remarks during his opening sets at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on September 4 and 5, where he led a "Free Palestine" chant and performed "Hind's Hall" while images of Gaza devastation appeared on the stadium screens.

Sheeran, whose full name is Edward Christopher Sheeran, stands among the world's best-selling recording artists. His 2017 album Divide yielded chart-topping hits including "Shape of You," while his 2023 release Subtract earned broad critical acclaim. The Loop tour represents his return to stadium performances across North America. According to Sheeran's statement, Macklemore had requested to join the tour the previous year, and Sheeran agreed out of respect for the rapper's craft, granting him the same creative freedom extended to every opening act. However, following the New Jersey shows, venues on subsequent tour dates indicated they would cancel if Macklemore remained on the bill. Sheeran said he held extensive discussions with venues, promoters, and activists from both sides in hopes of finding a compromise, though the result was already determined. He specifically mentioned conversations with Robert Kraft, the billionaire owner of the New England Patriots.

Kraft, a prominent philanthropist who supports both Jewish and Arab causes through his Foundation to Combat Antisemitism, became central to the controversy after Macklemore alleged he had persuaded other stadium owners to ban the rapper from the tour. The Messina Touring Group, which promotes the US leg of the Loop tour, confirmed early Monday that Macklemore had been removed from the remaining support dates. The promoter said venues had informed them they would not allow concerts to proceed with Macklemore on the lineup, a situation that would have forced cancellation of the entire tour and affected hundreds of thousands of fans. Macklemore had been booked for eight of the ten remaining shows, including appearances at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, and Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. The tour is set to resume on September 19 in Philadelphia.

In his own lengthy remarks Monday, Macklemore blamed Kraft for orchestrating the ban, yet oddly, both men's statements ultimately advocated for peace and understanding even as they clashed sharply on other matters. The Israeli American Council launched a petition demanding Macklemore's removal, arguing that an Ed Sheeran concert should not become a platform for a one-sided political message. The rapper's speech went viral, attracting even more scrutiny when singer Pink reshared a call for his removal. Sheeran addressed the broader implications in his statement, emphasizing that he has consistently used his platform to unite people of all backgrounds and cultures. He noted that his audience includes young people and children from every walk of life who do not expect a political rally at his concerts. While acknowledging Macklemore's commitment to standing up for his principles, Sheeran said he chooses to use his fame to create a space of safety and refuge, preserving diplomacy and keeping dialogues open rather than shut. "If we only focus on shouting the loudest, nothing will ever change," he wrote. "There are different approaches to being an advocate for change."