Sheeran Speaks on Macklemore Ouster

"Venues Threatened to Cancel Shows"

Sheeran explained that he had agreed to Macklemore's request to join the tour last year because he respects him as an artist, and allowed him to choose his own setlist. But after the performances at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, where Macklemore performed his controversial song "Hind's Hall" before more than 80,000 spectators, a crisis erupted.

"Venues where I am scheduled to perform later in the tour announced they would cancel the shows if he continued to serve as the opening act," Sheeran disclosed. According to him, he was told the position stemmed from the manner in which Macklemore delivered part of his message during the performance, not from everything he said.

During the New Jersey performance, Macklemore took the stage wearing a keffiyeh, called out "Free Palestine," and performed his pro-Palestinian protest song. Images from Gaza and one-sided political messages were projected on the giant screens behind him, sparking fierce protest from the Israeli-American community.

Conversations With Robert Kraft in Attempt to Bridge Gap

Sheeran revealed he invested considerable effort throughout the week trying to find a solution. "I spoke at length with venue representatives throughout the week in an attempt to bridge the gaps," he explained. "One of the people I spoke with was Robert Kraft," he added, referring to the owner of the New England Patriots football team, who also owns numerous venues across the United States.

The singer noted he was involved in direct conversations with producers as well, alongside activists from both sides, in an attempt to reach a solution acceptable to all. "But the decision of the venues and producers was final," he stated simply.

Sheeran emphasized that the decision for Macklemore to leave the tour was made by the producers, not by him. "His contract was with them. I would never disappoint the fans who had already planned to attend, nor abandon the tour crew, the other opening acts, and the musicians who depend on me for their livelihood and work."

"I'm Not a Part of This"

In the central portion of his statement, Sheeran clarified his personal position. "I have always used the platform I have and my music to connect people from all backgrounds and cultures, and that will never change," he stressed. "Anyone who has been to my show knows they are about unity, joy, escapism, love, and creating a space where everyone can feel welcome. I'm not a part of this."

Sheeran explained why he chooses not to voice political positions publicly. "I have personal opinions on this destructive conflict. The fact that I choose not to speak about them publicly does not mean I don't have a position, and does not mean I don't care. It also does not mean I don't support causes that are important to me, in my personal way."

The singer clarified his reasoning: "There is a reason I don't use my professional platform for political purposes, my audience includes young people, and often children, from all backgrounds. Those who come to my shows don't expect to arrive at a political forum."

Sheeran expressed respect for Macklemore's determination: "I respect Macklemore's determination to stand up and shout what he believes in. However, there is more than one way to reach the same goal: peace. I choose to use my publicity to create a safe and protected space, to keep channels of conversation open, and not to close them."

Concluding his statement, Sheeran summarized: "If we only focus on who shouts the loudest, nothing will ever change. There are different ways to work for change. I dedicated this past week to trying to build bridges and find a solution, and unfortunately I did not succeed. I know who I am, as a person and as an artist, and those who know my heart know my values as well."

The Israeli-American Council (IAC) had launched a petition calling on Ed Sheeran and production company Live Nation to remove Macklemore from the tour after the rapper exploited the musical stage to turn it into a political rally. Now, following the actual removal, Sheeran makes clear the decision was not his.