Ed Sheeran Says Venues Threatened to “Pull the Shows” Over Macklemore

Ed Sheeran says the promoter, not he, decided to remove Macklemore from the tour after venues threatened to cancel upcoming shows because Macklemore voiced his support for Palestine during his New Jersey performances.

“Macklemore coming off tour was the promoter’s decision; it was not mine,” Sheeran wrote in an Instagram post. “Macklemore’s contract for the tour was with the promoter, not me.”

He revealed that venues threatened to withdraw after Macklemore performed at his show in New Jersey. “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,” Sheeran wrote. “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.”

Sheeran explained that he spoke with several people in an effort to resolve the dispute. “One of those people was Robert Kraft,” he explained, adding that he also engaged in direct discussions with promoters and activists on both sides. Ultimately, however, the venue and promoter decided that Macklemore would no longer perform on the tour.

The singer began his statement by acknowledging the conflict himself. “I am appalled by the conflict between Israel and Palestine,” he wrote. “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.”

Sheeran explained that Macklemore first approached him about the tour last year. “Macklemore asked to join my tour last year, and I agreed, because I respect him as an artist,” Sheeran wrote. “As with all my support acts, I agree that they play a setlist of their choosing.”

He denied being indifferent to the issue. “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. Nor does it mean I don’t support causes in my own, personal way.”

The singer explained why he chooses not to discuss any politics during his performances: “There is a reason I do not use my professional platform for politics: my audience includes young people, often children, of all backgrounds,” Sheeran wrote. “Those who come to my shows do not expect a political forum.”

Those people who attend my shows do not expect anything from me other than entertainment and music.

Sheeran admires Macklemore’s dedication but believes there are different ways to achieve peace.

“I respect Macklemore’s strength of purpose to stand up and shout for what he believes,” he wrote. “However, there is room for multiple approaches to the same end: peace. I choose to use my fame and platform to be a place of safety and sanctuary, to maintain diplomacy and keep conversations open, not closed. If we only focus on shouting the loudest, nothing will ever change.”

He further stated that concerts should be a space where everybody feels welcome.

“I have always used my platform and music to bring people from all backgrounds and cultures together, and this won’t ever change,” he wrote. “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.”

The singer said he had to consider a few people when making his decision.

“I would never let down the fans who had made plans, nor would abandon the touring crew and the other support acts and musicians who rely on me for work,” he wrote.

He admitted spending the whole week trying to solve the problem but failed.

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

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