Ed Sheeran has spoken out about Macklemore’s departure from his tour, insisting that the decision to remove the rapper was made by the promoter and not by him.

Macklemore in a statement yesterday accused Sheeran and his team of removing him from the Loop Tour.

In a lengthy statement, Sheeran addressed the controversy surrounding Macklemore’s performances at his New Jersey shows and the artist’s outspoken position on the Israel–Palestine conflict.

“I am appalled by the conflict between Israel and Palestine,” Sheeran said. “The suffering and pain caused on both sides is a human tragedy.”

Sheeran explained that Macklemore had asked to join his tour the previous year and that he accepted because “I respect him as an artist.” He added that, like his other support acts, Macklemore was free to choose his own setlist.

However, Sheeran said the situation changed after Macklemore’s New Jersey performances. According to the singer, venues hosting upcoming dates warned that they would cancel the shows if Macklemore remained as a supporting act.

Sheeran said the venues’ position was based on “how Macklemore conveyed part of his message during his performance, rather than on everything that was said.”

He claimed he spent the week attempting to resolve the dispute, including speaking with venues and promoters as well as activists on both sides. Sheeran also named Robert Kraft as one of the people with whom he spoke.

“I spoke with the venues at length all week to try and build a bridge,” he said, but ultimately “the venue’s and promoter’s decision was final.”

Sheeran strongly rejected the suggestion that he personally fired Macklemore.

“Macklemore coming off tour was the promoter’s decision, it was not mine,” he said. “Macklemore’s contract for the tour was with the promoter, not me.”

The singer also explained why he did not abandon the tour in protest, pointing to the impact such a move would have on fans and workers.

“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,” he said.

‘I Am Not Complicit’

Sheeran also responded directly to criticism surrounding his own public stance on the conflict.

“I am not complicit,” he said. “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,” he added.

Sheeran said he has deliberately avoided using his professional platform for politics because his audience includes young people and children from different backgrounds.

“Those who come to my shows do not expect a political forum,” he said.

Despite their different approaches, Sheeran expressed respect for Macklemore’s activism, saying, “I respect Macklemore’s strength of purpose to stand up and shout for what he believes.”

Sheeran argued that artists can pursue change in different ways and said his own approach is centred on creating an environment of “unity, joy, escapism, love” at his concerts.

“There is room for multiple approaches to the same end: peace,” he said. “There are different approaches to being an advocate for change.”

Concluding the statement, Sheeran said he had spent the week trying to find a compromise but was unsuccessful.

“I have spent this week trying to build bridges, to find a solution and unfortunately, was unable to do so,” he said.

“I know who I am, both as a person and as an artist, and those who know my heart know my values too.”