Ed Sheeran says it was 'not my decision' to drop Macklemore from tour

What the report says

Ed Sheeran has said that removing Macklemore from his current US tour was “not my decision,” according to a statement posted on Instagram. BBC World News reports that the rapper, also known as Benjamin Haggerty, was taken off the bill after making pro-Palestinian comments during two New Jersey shows, prompting criticism from Jewish groups and pressure from some venues.

Sheeran said he had spent the week speaking with venues in an effort to “build a bridge,” but that tour promoter Messina Touring Group ultimately made the call. He added that Macklemore’s contract was with the promoter rather than with him directly, and said he would not want fans, crew members or support acts to be left worse off by a cancellation.

The dispute began after Macklemore told audiences at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey that he wanted to say “Free Palestine” and then performed a song linked to pro-Palestinian protest. The remarks drew a rapid backlash online, including a petition and accusations from some campaign groups that he had used the stage for propaganda. On the following night, Macklemore addressed Jewish fans in the audience and said criticism of Israel was not criticism of Jewish people.

For context, the BBC notes that the Israel-Gaza war has become a flashpoint for artists and public figures because of intense disagreement over language, protest and antisemitism. The article also says Macklemore later argued that speaking out cost him professionally, while Sheeran said he preferred to keep his own platform away from politics and use it as a place of safety and diplomacy.