Ed Sheeran has said the decision to drop Macklemore from his tour was not his, after the rapper was removed as a support act over his vocal support for Palestinian rights
Ed Sheeran shares statement on Macklemore(Image: Earl Gibson III, Deadline via Getty Images)
Ed Sheeran has released a statement after Macklemore was dropped as a support act from his tour over his ‘Free Palestine’ onstage statements. The Galway Girl singer said it was not his decision to remove the rapper from the tour line-up and insisted he was “not complicit”.
Macklemore was released from Sheeran’s US Loop tour after he made “Free Palestine” comments onstage during performances at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Following the news that Macklemore had been removed as an opening act, there was outrage from the public, some of whom said Sheeran was “complicit” in genocide by staying silent on Palestinian rights and allowing Macklemore to be dropped.
Taking to Instagram, Sheeran denied that he was complicit, saying: “I am appalled by the conflict between Israel and Palestine. The suffering and pain caused on both sides is a human tragedy. There are too many wars across the world causing immeasurable pain, none of which should be tolerated. Macklemore asked to join my tour last year and I agreed, because I respect him as an artist. As with all my support acts, I agree that they play a setlist of their choosing.”
He added that it was not his choice to drop Macklemore and instead said it was the promoters’ choice. “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. 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.
“One of those people was Robert Kraft. I was also involved in direct talks with promoters along with activists on both sides to try and find a mutual resolution for all, but the venue’s and promoter’s decision was final.
“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. 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.”
The singer continued to say he has “always used my platform and music to bring people from all backgrounds and cultures together and this won’t ever change”. Sheeran said: “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.
“I am not complicit. 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. Nor does it mean I don’t support causes in my own, personal way.
“There is a reason I do not use my professional platform for politics – my audience includes young people, often children, of all backgrounds. Those who come to my shows do not expect a political forum. I respect Macklemore’s strength of purpose to stand up and shout for what he believes. However, there is room for multiple approaches to the same end: peace. I choose to use my fame and platform to be a place of safety and sanctuary, to maintain diplomacy and keep conversations open, not closed. If we only focus on shouting the loudest, nothing will ever change. There are different approaches to being an advocate for change.
“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.”
Sheeran’s statement comes after Macklemore, whose real name is Benjamin Haggerty, released his own words on Monday. He said the decision came after an “ultimatum” from Robert Kraft, owner of Gillette Stadium: “Ed also told me that Kraft had rallied some of the other stadium owners and collectively they gave him an ultimatum: if Macklemore stays on the tour, you will not be allowed to play in our venues.”
Kraft confirmed that he barred Macklemore from performing at his stadium, accusing the rapper of “hate speech” and promoting “antisemitic rhetoric”.
Macklemore’s words at MetLife on 4 September were: “A big part of the reason why I wanted to do this tour in the first place is so that I could stand up in stadiums like this and say two words that are very, very dear to my heart: Free Palestine. I said, ‘Free Palestine!’ I want those words to be loud and clear, so that people all the way in Gaza to the occupied West Bank know that we have not forgotten about them.”
On 5 September, he added: “To all of my Jewish brothers and sisters: criticism of Israel, criticism of apartheid, being against genocide in no way is a criticism of you. My message is for peace; love for all human beings to be treated with dignity, respect, and equality … So I say free Palestine, I say free Lebanon, I say free Cuba, I say free Congo, free Sudan, I say free all people in America living in fear of this terrorist organization, ICE. None of us will be free until we are all free.”
Many celebrities have come out in support of Macklemore, including Kneecap, who said: “All love and solidarity to @macklemore FREE PALESTINE.”
Children’s educator Ms Rachel added: “Ed Sheeran had an opportunity [to] show that we won’t be bullied into punishing people for supporting Palestine. Instead he caved to people who refuse to accept what the world knows. A genocide is happening in Gaza. We all need to speak on it.”
“Full solidarity and free Palestine. Artists’ very active silence in the face of injustice and genocide will not be forgotten,” Greta Thunberg said. Meanwhile Wicked actress Marissa Bode, who is in a wheelchair, said in a TikTok: “Ed Sheeran, my legs may not work like they used to before, but at least I have a spine. Free Palestine.”
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