Ed Sheeran Denies Involvement in Macklemore’s Tour Cancellation

POLICY WIRE — London, United Kingdom — Ed Sheeran has addressed recent claims that he was involved in removing rapper Macklemore from his U.S. tour, denying any direct role in the decision.

Macklemore, known as Benjamin Haggerty, alleged that he was excluded from performing at the remaining dates of Sheeran’s tour due to remarks he made in support of Palestinian rights during a show in New Jersey earlier this month. He claimed that New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft had pressured the promoter to prevent him from appearing at Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts after he called for ‘Free Palestine.’

In a statement shared Tuesday, Sheeran clarified that the decision to remove Macklemore came from the tour promoter, not himself. He confirmed that Kraft had issued an ultimatum and that other venues also reportedly faced pressure. Sheeran emphasized that he had engaged with venues to find a resolution but ultimately upheld the promoter’s choice.

Sheeran defended his stance, stating that he had not abandoned fans or crew members who relied on the tour. He reiterated that while he chooses not to publicly express political views, it does not mean he lacks personal convictions or support for causes in his own way. He described his approach as one of neutrality, aiming to create a space for open dialogue rather than division.

Macklemore, in a prior post, described their conversations as difficult and marked by disagreement over the conflict. He criticized what he saw as a lack of empathy toward the Palestinian cause, comparing the impact of words like ‘Free Palestine’ to the loss of Palestinian lives.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)