Ed Sheeran says it was 'not my decision' to drop Macklemore from tour
Ed Sheeran has posted a long statement on Instagram, saying it was not his decision to drop Macklemore from his current US tour.
TL;DR
- Ed Sheeran clarified that the decision to remove Macklemore from his US tour was made by the tour promoters, Messina Touring Group, not by him.
- Macklemore was removed after making pro-Palestinian statements, including performing his song 'Hind's Hall', which drew criticism from Jewish groups and venues.
- Sheeran explained his personal choice to avoid using his professional platform for political issues, aiming to provide a sanctuary and maintain open diplomacy.
- Robert Kraft, owner of Gillette Stadium, confirmed he barred Macklemore, citing a 'history of antisemitic rhetoric' and calling the rapper's statements 'hate speech'.
- Tour promoters stated that venues threatened to cancel shows if Macklemore performed, which would have impacted hundreds of thousands of fans.