Sheeran says Macklemore’s tour removal was promoter’s call

Ed Sheeran said on Instagram that he did not choose to remove Macklemore from his current U.S. tour line‑up. The rapper, whose legal name is Benjamin Haggerty, was dropped after he voiced pro‑Palestinian statements at two New Jersey shows. Jewish groups criticised his remarks, and several venues later urged the tour promoters to take him off the bill. In a lengthy post on Monday, Sheeran noted that he and Macklemore have been friends for 13 years, but the decision was made by the promoters, not by him. He added that he respects the audience and wants the shows to run smoothly. The statement clarified that the removal was not a personal feud but a response to external pressure from venue owners and community groups. The incident highlights how political comments by performers can affect concert arrangements, especially when venue owners fear backlash. Sheeran’s post aimed to set the record straight and reassure fans that the tour will continue without further disruptions.