Sheeran denies role

Ed Sheeran said he did not decide to remove Macklemore from the Loop Tour. He said promoter Messina Touring Group ended the rapper’s contract.

“Macklemore coming off tour was the promoter’s decision, it was not mine”

Remarks sparked backlash

Macklemore had opened for Sheeran at MetLife Stadium near New York, where he shouted “Free Palestine!” and told Palestinians they were “not forgotten.”

“Free Palestine!”

Venues threatened shows

Sheeran said tour venues warned they would cancel dates if Macklemore stayed on as support. He said he spent the week speaking with venue management.

“communicated that they would pull the shows if he was still supporting”

Gillette talks failed

Sheeran said those talks included Robert Kraft, owner of Boston’s Gillette Stadium. He said he was unable to settle the issue before Macklemore was dropped.

Sheeran explains silence

Sheeran said he avoids public political comments, but rejected the idea that silence means indifference to Gaza. He also said fans do not attend his shows for politics.

“Just because I choose not to speak publicly, it doesn’t mean I don’t care”

Macklemore backs him

Macklemore also said Sheeran and his team were not behind his exit. He alleged Kraft told Sheeran the rapper would not be allowed on stage.

Kraft cites hate speech

Kraft said Gillette Stadium would not host hate speech. The dispute left Sheeran praising Macklemore’s conviction while distancing himself from the tour decision.

“I respect Macklemore’s strength of purpose”