Sheeran claimed that he attempted to “build a bridge” with venues refusing to let Macklemore perform after his recent message of support toward Palestinians in Gaza.

Ed Sheeran breaks silence on Macklemore controversy, says rapper’s removal was not his decision

Sheeran claimed that he attempted to “build a bridge” with venues refusing to let Macklemore perform after his recent message of support toward Palestinians in Gaza.

By Shelby Stivale

Shelby Stivale

Shelby Stivale is a senior writer at **. She has been working at EW since July 2026. Her work has previously appeared on Us Weekly and J-14.

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September 15, 2026 12:12 p.m. ET

Ed Sheeran; Macklemore. Credit:

Earl Gibson III/Deadline via Getty; Joseph Okpako/WireImage

- Ed Sheeran shared a lengthy Instagram statement on Tuesday addressing the recent Macklemore controversy.

- Macklemore was removed from Sheeran’s tour after making a series of pro-Palestine comments on stage.

- Sheeran denied Macklemore’s claims that it was his decision to remove the rapper from the tour lineup.

Ed Sheeran is speaking out after Macklemore was dropped from his *Loop *tour.

“It’s important that I set out some facts,” Sheeran captioned an Instagram post on Tuesday, addressing the rapper’s recent message of support toward Palestinians in Gaza.

“I am appalled by the conflict between Israel and Palestine. The suffering and pain caused on both sides is a human tragedy. There are too many wars across the world causing immeasurable pain, none of which should be tolerated,” Sheeran wrote. “Macklemore asked to join my tour last year and I agreed, because I respect him as an artist. As with all my support acts, I agree that they play a setlist of their choosing.”

Sheeran claimed that “venues on my upcoming tour dates communicated that they would pull the shows” if Macklemore remained the supporting act after his comments about the Israel and Palestine conflict during a show at MetLife Stadium earlier this month.

Macklemore performs at St Anne’s Park on June 04, 2025.

Kieran Frost/Redferns

“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 continued. “I spoke with the venues at length all week to try and build a bridge.”

The “Castle on the Hill” singer said that he and Robert Kraft, owner of the New England Patriots and Gillette Stadium, had a conversation. (Kraft refused to let Macklemore perform at the venue.)

“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 added. “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,” Sheeran claimed.

Macklemore confirmed via social media on Monday that he had been removed from the *Loop *tour, claiming that Sheeran and his team had “made the decision” to remove the rapper after comments made during their Sept. 5 tour date. (* *reached out to reps for Macklemore and Sheeran at the time.)

During his performance, Macklemore said, “Free Palestine,” to the crowd before jumping into his song “Hind’s Hall,” a 2024 track he released following student protests at Columbia University regarding Israel’s military action in Gaza. The title is a reference to a 5-year-old girl, Hind Rajab, who was killed by the Israeli Defense Forces.

“To all of my Jewish brothers and sisters, criticism of Israel, criticism of apartheid, being against genocide, it in no way is criticism of you,” the “Thrift Shop” singer, whose real name is Benjamin Hammond Haggerty, told the audience during the show. “This message is for peace, love, for all human beings to be treated with dignity, respect, and equality.”

Sheeran, for his part, continued his statement on Tuesday by clarifying that he “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.”

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Sheeran wrote that he uses his platform to “bring people from all backgrounds and cultures together and this won’t ever change.” The “Perfect” musician added that his shows are “about unity, joy, escapism, love, and a place for everyone to feel welcome.”

When discussing the “devastating” Israel and Palestine conflict, Sheeran confirmed that he has “personal views” on the subject, but does not discuss them publicly.

“It doesn’t mean I don’t care. Nor does it mean I don’t support causes in my own, personal way,” he added, clarifying that the “young people” in his audience stop him from using his platform to discuss politics.

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“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,” Sheeran wrote. “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. There are different approaches to being an advocate for change.”

He concluded, “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.”

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