Ed Sheeran says decision to drop Macklemore from tour ‘was not mine’

Ed Sheeran says he did not make the decision to drop Macklemore from his tour.

The "Perfect" singer is breaking his silence after facing backlash over Macklemore being removed from the Loop Tour for making pro-Palestinian comments.

Sheeran began his statement "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 coming off tour was the promoter's decision, it was not mine," Sheeran emphasized in a six-slide statement posted to Instagram on Tuesday, Sept. 15. "Macklemore's contract for the tour was with the promoter, not me."

Messina Touring Group, the promoter behind the U.S. leg of Sheeran's tour, confirmed Macklemore's departure in a Sept. 14 statement to Rolling Stone⁠.

Macklemore used his performances during an early September Sheeran tour stop at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey to call for a "Free Palestine" and perform "Hind's Hall," his protest song inspired by the war in Gaza.

Then, Macklemore announced on Sept. 14 that "Ed Sheeran and his team have made the decision to remove me from The Loop tour."

Original source: https://www.usatoday.com/entertainment/