Ed Sheeran Addresses Macklemore’s Removal From His Tour: “Not My Decision”

Ed Sheeran has released a new statement addressing Macklemore’s departure from his tour after stadium owners pressured Sheeran to remove the rapper following his onstage support for Palestine. In his statement, posted to Instagram on Tuesday, Sheeran stressed that Macklemore’s removal from the tour was a decision made by promoters and venues, not by him, and that he made efforts to find a resolution to keep Macklemore on the tour. Sheeran also addressed his own stance on Palestine and why he has chosen to keep his views private. “I am not complicit. I have my personal views on this devastating conflict,” he said. “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. Nor does it mean I don’t support causes in my own, personal way.” “There is a reason I do not use my professional platform for politics – my audience includes young people, often children, of all backgrounds. Those who come to my shows do not expect a political forum,” he added. “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 a...