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Ed Sheeran has not had a good week. The pop star is in the midst of a world tour, which previously featured Seattle rapper Macklemore as an opener.
However, the Grammy-winner was removed from Sheeran’s tour after statements in support of Palestine at their recent MetLife show, went viral and resulted in a petition to kick Macklemore off the remaining shows. This was complicated further by New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, a longtime doner to Israel causes, reportedly calling Sheeran and giving him an ultimatum: either you kick Macklemore off, or you don’t finish the tour in stadiums.
Kraft also reportedly threatened to rally other owners of the remaining stadiums to cancel Sheeran’s shows. Legally speaking, this would be breach of contract, which Sheeran could have sued for. Instead, he complied, and his longtime friend called him out on it.
“Ed was in a f***** up position. He knew it,” Macklemore posted. “His typical apolitical stance was being challenged in a way it never had been before. He told me that the words ‘Free Palestine’ and the image of the Palestinian flag were hurtful to a lot of people he spoke with. I told him that if those words were more offensive than tens of thousands of Palestinian children being killed by Israel, then there was a fundamental disconnect between where those people stood and where I stood.”
Ed Sheeran breaks his silence on Macklemore being dropped from his tour over "Free Palestine" speeches, saying "it was the promoter's decision and it was not mine."
— Variety (@Variety) September 15, 2026
"I am appalled by the conflict between Israel and Palestine. The suffering and pain caused on both sides is a… pic.twitter.com/a4jqxznGem
Sheeran Speaks Out
Now, Ed Sheeran is addressing Macklemore’s criticisms and the controversy in a lengthy slide post on Instagram.
“I am appalled by the conflict between Israel and Palestine. The suffering and pain caused on both sides is a human tragedy…,” Sheeran posted in a statement. “After Macklemore’s performances at my New Jersey shows, venues on my upcoming tour dates communicated they would pull the shows if he was still supporting. 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 was also involved in direct talks with promoters along with activists on both sides to try and find a mutual resolution for all, but the venue’s and promoter’s decision was final.
Sheeran then insisted that this was the promoter’s decision and moving or postponing the tour was not an option.
“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…I am not complicit. I have my personal views on this devastating conflict. Just because I choose not to speak publicly, doesn’t mean I don’t have them, [or] I don’t care. Nor does it mean I don’t support causes in my own, personal way. There’s a reason I don’t 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.”
He finished by saying he strives for peace, stressing there are different ways to advocate for change. Sheeran closed with saying he tried to “build bridges and find a solution,” but was unable to do so.
The response to Sheeran’s statement has been predominately negative, with many on social media calling him a coward and spineless.
