Ed Sheeran Clarifies He Didn’t Decide to Remove Macklemore from the Tour: “I’ve Spent This Week Trying to Build Bridges”

Sheeran began his Instagram statement on Tuesday, Sept. 15, by saying he wanted to clarify the situation and present the facts.

Ed Sheeran has addressed Macklemore’s departure from his ongoing tour, explaining that the decision was made by the tour’s promoter rather than by him.

The “Shape of You” singer spoke out on Tuesday, Sept. 15, one day after Rolling Stone reported that Macklemore had been dropped from Sheeran’s Loop Tour. Macklemore, 43, also posted a statement on Instagram discussing his removal from the tour.

“I am appalled by the conflict between Israel and Palestine,” Sheeran, 35, wrote at the beginning of his statement. “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.”

According to Sheeran, Macklemore had approached him about joining the tour the previous year, and he agreed because of his respect for the rapper as a musician. Sheeran explained that, as is customary with his opening acts, Macklemore was allowed to select the songs and material he wanted to perform.

However, Sheeran said the situation changed following Macklemore’s performances at his New Jersey shows. He claimed that several venues scheduled for upcoming tour dates informed his team that they would cancel the concerts if Macklemore remained part of the lineup.

“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,” Sheeran explained.

The singer said he spent much of the week communicating with venues in an attempt to resolve the dispute. He also said Robert Kraft was among the people he spoke with. Sheeran added that he participated in discussions involving promoters and activists representing both sides in an effort to reach an agreement.

Despite those efforts, Sheeran said the venues and promoter ultimately made the final decision.

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

He said that reversing course would have affected fans who had already made plans to attend the concerts, as well as members of the touring crew and other musicians whose livelihoods depend on the tour.

Sheeran also pushed back against any suggestion that he is indifferent to the conflict or humanitarian causes. He said he has consistently tried to use his music and public platform to bring together people from different backgrounds and cultures.

“Those who have been to one of my shows will know that they are about unity, joy, escapism, love, and a place for everyone to feel welcome,” he wrote.

The Grammy winner also said that choosing not to publicly discuss his political views should not be interpreted as a lack of personal convictions.

“I am not complicit. I have my personal views on this devastating conflict,” he wrote. “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.”

Sheeran went on to explain why he generally avoids using his professional platform for political discussions. He pointed out that his concerts attract audiences from a wide range of backgrounds, including children and young people.

“There is a reason I do not use my professional platform for politics,” he said.

Rather than turning his concerts into political forums, Sheeran said he wants his shows to remain spaces where audiences can experience music, joy, safety and togetherness.

He acknowledged Macklemore’s determination to publicly advocate for issues he believes in, while emphasizing that people can pursue the same goal through different methods.

“I respect Macklemore’s strength of purpose to stand up and shout for what he believes,” Sheeran wrote. “However, there is room for multiple approaches to the same end: peace.”

Sheeran said he prefers to maintain dialogue and diplomacy rather than contribute to an environment in which opposing sides simply speak louder over one another.

“I have spent this week trying to build bridges, to find a solution and unfortunately, was unable to do so,” he concluded. “I know who I am, both as a person and as an artist, and those who know my heart know my values too.”

The four-time Grammy winner accompanied his statement with a caption explaining why he felt it was necessary to clarify the circumstances.

“It’s important that I set out some facts,” he wrote.