Ed Sheeran responds to dropping Macklemore from tour
BBC News
Ed Sheeran has shared a lengthy statement on Instagram addressing the recent decision to remove Macklemore from his US tour.
The US rapper, known as Benjamin Haggerty, was dropped from the line-up after making pro-Palestinian statements at two New Jersey concerts. His comments sparked criticism from Jewish groups, leading to pressure on tour promoters to remove him.
Sheeran’s statement, shared externally, reads:
"Macklemore coming off tour was the promoter’s decision, it was not mine. 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."
He continued to explain his stance on political issues, emphasizing his decision to avoid using his platform for politics, especially when his audience includes young people of diverse backgrounds.
"There is a reason I do not use my professional platform for politics – my audience includes young people, often children, of all backgrounds. Those who come to my shows do not expect a political forum. I respect Macklemore’s strength of purpose to stand up and shout for what he believes. 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."
The controversy began when Macklemore performed at Sheeran’s concert in New Jersey on September 4th, where he expressed his support for Palestine and played his song "Hind’s Hall." The subsequent online backlash led to his removal from the tour.
