Ed Sheeran addresses Macklemore tour removal over Palestine

Ed Sheeran has publicly responded to the controversy surrounding the removal of rapper Macklemore from his North American Loop tour. The decision followed a speech by Macklemore calling for a 'Free Palestine' during a performance at New Jersey's MetLife stadium on September 4.

Sheeran posted a lengthy statement on Instagram on Tuesday to 'set out some facts.' The singer stated he is 'appalled by the conflict between Israel and Palestine,' calling it a 'human tragedy.' He clarified that Macklemore's removal was not his choice. 'Macklemore coming off tour was the promoter's decision, it was not mine,' Sheeran wrote. He explained that venue owners and the tour promoter, Messina Touring Group, made the final call after objecting to how part of Macklemore's message was conveyed.

The Controversial Speech

Macklemore, a Grammy-winning artist from Seattle, used his opening set to make political remarks. 'A big part of the reason why I wanted to do this tour is so I could stand up in stadiums like this and say two words that are very near and dear to my heart: free Palestine,' he told the audience. He said he wanted people in Gaza and 'the occupied West Bank' to know 'we have not forgotten about them.' The Seattle-bred rapper has long been an outspoken supporter of Palestinian rights.

His performance included the protest song 'Hind's Hall,' which references a six-year-old killed in 2024, accompanied by images of destruction in Gaza. At a second show on September 5, he addressed Jewish attendees directly. 'Criticism of Israel, criticism of apartheid, being against genocide in no way is a criticism of you,' he said. His comments prompted the Israeli American Council to launch a petition for his removal, and venue owners, including New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, communicated they would refuse to host the show if Macklemore remained.

Sheeran's Position and Platform

In his post, Sheeran outlined his view on using his platform. He pushed back against characterizations of apathy. 'I am not complicit,' he stated. '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.' He described trying to broker conversations between promoters, venue owners, and activists 'on both sides' but was unable to find a solution.

The singer emphasized a philosophy of unity over public political advocacy. 'I choose to use my fame and platform to be a place of safety and sanctuary, to maintain diplomacy and keep the conversations open, not closed,' he wrote. He also expressed concern for his touring crew and other support acts, stating he would not cancel shows and let them down.

Another Act Withdraws

Hours after Sheeran's statement, another opening act announced his withdrawal. Irish musician Aaron Rowe said he would leave the tour for its ten remaining US dates. 'I cannot stand by and allow billionaires to use their position of power to silence the rightful voices of those who speak up against Israeli genocide,' Rowe wrote on Instagram. He cited his Irish heritage and 'ancestors who resisted colonisation' as reasons for his decision, ending his statement with 'Free Palestine.'

Messina Touring Group confirmed Macklemore's removal from eight planned dates. The North American tour leg will now conclude in November at Tampa's Raymond James Stadium without Rowe. That stadium hosted shows earlier this year by Ye, the rapper formerly known as Kanye West, who has a history of making antisemitic statements.