Ed Sheeran after Macklemore’s kicked off tour: 'The decision wasn’t mine'

Ed Sheeran distanced himself on Tuesday from the decision to remove Macklemore from his tour following controversy over the American rapper’s comments about Israel at a concert in New Jersey.

In a statement posted on Instagram, the British singer said the decision had been made by the tour’s production team, not by him.

“Some stadiums contacted me after Macklemore’s performances and said they would cancel the shows entirely if he appeared,” Sheeran explained. He identified American Jewish billionaire Robert Kraft as one of those who opposed the rapper’s participation.

According to Sheeran, the objections concerned “the way part of his message had been presented,” rather than the substance of his views.

The singer said he had unsuccessfully tried to reach a compromise.

“I tried to build a bridge and resolve the issue, but they insisted it could not happen,” he said, adding that Macklemore’s contract was with the production company rather than with him directly. “The decision to remove Macklemore from the tour was the production team’s, not mine.”

Sheeran also addressed accusations that he was complicit in “genocide.” He said he was deeply troubled by the war between Israel and Palestine, describing the suffering on both sides as a “human tragedy.”

He rejected the allegations against him, explaining that his decision not to share political opinions publicly did not mean he was indifferent to the conflict or had taken no action in private.

“There is a reason why I choose not to express political views on my professional platform,” he continued. Sheeran noted that a significant portion of his audience is young and does not attend his concerts to be drawn into political debates.

While he said he respected Macklemore’s decision to speak publicly about his beliefs, Sheeran argued that there are different ways to work toward “the ultimate goal, which is peace.”

The controversy began last week at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, where Macklemore performed as Sheeran’s opening act. During his set, the rapper delivered a political speech that included calls to “free Palestine.” He then performed his song “Hind’s Hall” as footage of Gaza and pro-Palestinian demonstrations appeared on screens behind him.

His remarks drew strong criticism from several pro-Israel organizations in the United States. The Israeli-American Council subsequently launched a petition calling for Macklemore to be removed from the remaining dates of the tour.