Ed Sheeran responds as Macklemore is removed from tour: "I am not complicit"

Ed Sheeran has responded following Macklemore's statement earlier today confirming he was removed from the LOOP tour after 'free Palestine' remarks.

"I am appalled by the conflict between Israel and Palestine," he wrote on social media. "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."

He explained that he allows support acts to play a setlist of their choosing and he agreed for Macklemore to join the tour because  he "respect[s] him as an artist."

"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," he wrote, which is consistent with what Macklemore and Sheeran's promoter said in their statements.

"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."

In Macklemore's statement on Monday, he wrote that Kraft, who owns Gillette stadium where they were set to play later this month, had "rallied some of the other stadium owners" to collectively give Sheeran the ultimatum.

Sheeran went on to say that that the decision for Macklemore to be removed was made by the promoter, not him.

"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."

Sheeran has consistently avoided taking political stances through the years. He went on to defend that position, saying his platform is "to bring people from all backgrounds and cultures together and this won't ever change."

"I am not complicit," he continued. "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 ... There are different approaches to being an advocate for change."

He ended his statement saying, "I know who I am, both as a person and as an artist, and those who know my heart know my values too."

Macklemore first joined Sheeran for two shows at MetLife stadium in New Jersey on September 4 and 5. There, he called for a free Palestine, playing his protest track, 'Hind's Hall', while showing images of Gaza onscreen.

Following the shows, the Israeli-American Council created a petition calling for his removal and he received backlash from other artists, including P!NK, for his statements.

 

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