Memorandum
- From
- Connor Quincy via fox - Most Popular
- Date
- Filed
- Culture·5 min to read
- Re
Ed Sheeran Says Macklemore Tour Exit Was Promoter's Decision, Not His
ReEd Sheeran Says Macklemore Tour Exit Was Promoter's Decision, Not His
Ed Sheeran addressed Macklemore's removal from his U.S. tour, saying the decision came from the promoter and venues after Macklemore's pro-Palestinian remarks. Four supporting acts withdrew in solidarity.
Ed Sheeran said the removal of Macklemore from his U.S. tour was ultimately the decision of the concert promoter and venues, not his own, after the rapper accused Sheeran and tour organizers of sidelining him over his pro-Palestinian remarks.
In a lengthy statement shared on Instagram, the «Shape of You» singer said he was «appalled» by the conflict between Israel and Palestine and described the suffering on both sides as «a human tragedy.» He said he spent the week trying to «build a bridge» between the parties involved, including direct talks with promoters and activists on both sides, but the venues' and promoter's decision was final.
Macklemore had claimed on Monday that Sheeran told him Robert Kraft, the owner of the New England Patriots and Gillette Stadium, had rallied other stadium owners to oppose allowing the rapper to perform. According to Macklemore's account, the venues allegedly gave Sheeran an ultimatum: «if Macklemore stays on the tour, you will not be allowed to play in our venues.»
Sheeran's statement offered a different account, saying that after Macklemore's performances at his New Jersey shows, venues scheduled for upcoming tour dates told organizers they would pull the shows if Macklemore remained on 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 wrote. «I spoke with the venues at length all week to try and build a bridge. One of those people was Robert Kraft.»
Sheeran added that «Macklemore coming off tour was the promoter's decision, it was not mine» and noted that «Macklemore's contract for the tour was with the promoter, not me.» Macklemore was scheduled to perform at eight of the remaining U.S. dates on Sheeran's «Loop Tour.»
Following Sheeran's note, four supporting acts withdrew from the tour in solidarity with Macklemore: Irish acts Aaron Rowe and Beoga, Lukas Graham, and Finneas. Finneas, Billie Eilish's brother, was slated to tour with Sheeran in South America later this year. «Artists must not be silenced when they speak up for the oppressed,» he wrote. «I have decided to withdraw from my upcoming tour dates with Ed Sheeran. I stand with Palestine and its people.»
Aaron Rowe wrote that the decision wasn't made «lightly» and said, «Ed has been a friend to me and has changed my life, I could never thank him enough for this. But as Irish people we know all too well about genocide, forced famine and violent occupation.» He added, «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.»
Sheeran said he has deliberately avoided using his professional platform for politics because his audience includes young people and children from 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,» he wrote. «Those who come to my shows do not expect a political forum.» He said he respects Macklemore's «strength of purpose to stand up and shout for what he believes,» but added that «there is room for multiple approaches to the same end: peace.»
Sheeran also rejected the suggestion that his decision not to speak publicly about his personal beliefs made him indifferent to the conflict. «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 I don't care.»
He said he spent the week attempting to preserve the tour while balancing the concerns of venues, promoters, fans, crew members and support acts. «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 wrote. He concluded by saying he had tried to find a solution but was ultimately unable to do so. «I have spent this week trying to build bridges, to find a solution and unfortunately, was unable to do so. I know who I am, both as a person and as an artist, and those who know my heart know my values too.»
