Ed Sheeran

“After Macklemore’s performances at my New Jersey shows, venues on my upcoming tour dates communicated that they would pull the shows if he was still supporting,”

Ed Sheeran · said date not stated · reported 2026-09-17

Ed Sheeran wrote on Instagram that venues on his upcoming tour dates communicated they would pull shows if Macklemore was still supporting.

“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. I spoke with the venues at length all week to try and build a bridge. One of those people was Robert Kraft. 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.”

Ed Sheeran · said date not stated · reported 2026-09-17

Ed Sheeran wrote that he spoke with venues at length, including Robert Kraft, but the venue's and promoter's decision was final.

“Those who come to my shows do not expect a political forum. 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. 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.”

Ed Sheeran · said date not stated · reported 2026-09-17

Ed Sheeran wrote that those who come to his shows do not expect a political forum and that he chooses to use his platform as a place of safety and sanctuary.

“There is a reason I do not use my professional platform for politics – my audience includes young people, often children, of all backgrounds,”

Ed Sheeran · said date not stated · reported 2026-09-17

Ed Sheeran wrote that he does not use his professional platform for politics because his audience includes young people of all backgrounds.

“I am not complicit. I have my personal views on this devastating conflict. Just because I choose not to speak publicly, it doesn’t mean I don’t have them, and it doesn’t mean I don’t care.”

Ed Sheeran · said date not stated · reported 2026-09-17

Ed Sheeran addressed the controversy on Instagram, writing that he is not complicit and has personal views on the conflict.

“Macklemore’s contract for the tour was with the promoter, not me.”

Ed Sheeran · said date not stated · reported 2026-09-17

Ed Sheeran added that the decision to remove Macklemore was the promoter's and that Macklemore's contract was with the promoter, not him.