Amidst intense backlash over rapper Macklemore’s removal from the Loop Tour, Ed Sheeran released a statement on Tuesday while all four supporting acts for upcoming concerts dates withdrew from the tour.
Sheeran said that the decision to remove Macklemore, who had shouted “Free Palestine” at the second concert, came from the promoter and venue owners, adding that he had tried to find a solution after venues refused to host the shows if the rapper remained on the lineup.
In a lengthy Instagram post on Tuesday, Sheeran said that Macklemore had asked to join his tour last year and he agreed because he respected him as an artist. He added that Macklemore was allowed to choose his set list, as he did with all his supporting acts.
Macklemore had used his performances at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium to speak in support of Palestine. During his September 4 appearance, he called on the audience to say “Free Palestine” and said that he wanted people in Gaza and the occupied West Bank to know they had not been forgotten.
At his second MetLife performance on September 5, Macklemore again spoke about Palestine and addressed Jewish members of the audience.
“Criticism of Israel, criticism of apartheid, being against genocide in no way is a criticism of you. My message is for peace, love; for all human beings to be treated with dignity, respect and equality.”
The remarks led the Israeli American Council to launch a petition calling for Macklemore’s removal from the tour. Sheeran said that the United States (US) venues then told him they would not host the shows if Macklemore remained a supporting act.
“I was informed this stance was based on how Macklemore conveyed part of his message during his performance, rather than on everything that was said,” Sheeran wrote.
He said he tried to bring promoters, venue owners including Robert Kraft and activists “on both sides” into discussions but the “venue’s and the promoter’s decision was final”.
“Macklemore coming off tour was the promoter’s decision, it was not mine,” he said. “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’s statement drew criticism online, with several users questioning his reference to suffering “on both sides” of the conflict.
One user wrote, “The suffering and pain caused on ‘both sides’ is a human tragedy. Funny, because i see all sides of only one side suffering immeasurable pain. ‘none of which should be tolerated.’ Wasn’t that the whole point of Macklemore speaking up?”
Another user criticised Sheeran’s position, writing, “Yeah, we not reading all that: Free Palestine”.
Another reaction said, “I’m not being picky am I when he said both f–king sides – one side is staving and genociding with no f–king medication for years – that’s not even mentioning the years of oppression and crimes committed from the terrorsist c–ts of Israel”.
A separate user wrote, “He hit every avoidant mealy mouthed talking point. What a B–CH.”
Another post compared Sheeran’s statement to historical responses to the Holocaust, saying, “Pathetic! Imagine this spineless assholes releasing this type of ridiculous statement in 1941 when asked to speak out against the concentration camps ‘Suffering and pain caused on both sides’ F–k you Sheeran you spineless coward. History won’t forget your lack of morality”.
Others also criticised Sheeran directly, with one user writing, “F–k Ed Sheeran. Israel is the problem and always has been.”
Another post said, “S–U you ginger a-s, what did Israel suffer? Few hundreds compared to millions of Palestinians? 80 years of occupation, murder, ethnic cleansing, rape, displacement….”
One user also criticised Sheeran over his Irish identity, writing, “F–k his statement and f–k him!! How dare he refer to himself as Irish with this pathetic display!!!”
Sheeran also addressed criticism over his decision not to speak publicly about the conflict, saying he has personal views but does not always choose to share them publicly.
“I am not complicit,” he wrote. “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 that I don’t care. Nor does it mean that I don’t support causes in my own, personal way.”
“I have spent this week trying to build bridges, to find a solution and unfortunately, was unable to do so,” Sheeran concluded his post. “I know who I am, both as a person and as an artist, and those who know my heart know my values too.”
Macklemore had earlier confirmed his removal from the tour in an Instagram post, saying he and Sheeran had held “difficult conversations” over the decision.
He also linked the move to pressure from stadium owners and referred to Robert Kraft, owner of the New England Patriots and Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts.
“Ed was in a f–ked up position,” Macklemore wrote. “He knew it. His typical apolitical stance was being challenged in a way it had never been before.”
Macklemore also questioned why his support for Palestine had become an issue while performing with Sheeran, saying he had expressed the same views on stages around the world for almost three years.
The dispute was followed by the withdrawal of all four supporting acts scheduled for upcoming dates.
Irish singer Aaron Rowe, who was scheduled to perform at the remaining North American dates, announced his withdrawal shortly before Sheeran issued his statement.
“I don’t take the decision lightly,” Rowe wrote. “Ed has been a friend to me and has changed my life, I could never thank him enough for this.”
He added: “But as Irish people we know all too well about genocide, forced famine and violent occupation. 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 and who highlight the savage murder of children. I would lose all respect for myself to carry on as normal.”
Sheeran’s backing band Beoga also announced that it would leave the US tour, citing what it called the “silencing of Macklemore by zionist lobbies”.
“We are a traditional Irish band who never saw ourselves playing in stadiums of that size and that opportunity is not lost on us,” the band wrote. “We have been friends with Ed for over 10 years now and will continue to be. We believe in dialogue as a means of progressing the plight of the Palestinian people.”
Danish pop band Lukas Graham also withdrew from the tour.
“We should be able to speak about war, about civilians being killed, about children who deserve to grow up. Wherever they live. Whatever flag flies over them,” lead singer Lukas Forchhammer wrote.
“Money doesn’t give you the right to own the conversation. Nobody’s bank balance should decide who gets to speak or which suffering we’re allowed to acknowledge.”
Finneas, who was scheduled to open for Sheeran on six South American dates in November, also withdrew from the tour on Tuesday, hours after Sheeran published his statement.
