Ed Sheeran fires ‘I’m not complicit’ declare over Macklemore beef – full assertion right here
The songwriting superstar has responded to US rapper Macklemore’s removal from his US Loop tour after the artist’s ‘Free Palestine’ comments
Ed Sheeran has issued a statement surrounding the conflict
Ed Sheeran has issued a statement claiming “I am not complicit” after US rapper Macklemore was removed from his tour due to a previous “Free Palestine” comment made onstage.
Macklemore was axed from Sheeran’s US Loop tour after comments he made at a performance in MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. The US star has claimed the A-team singer was “complicit” due to his refusal to speak on Palestinian rights and for allowing him to be dropped from the tour dates.
Writing on Instagram, Sheeran posted: “I am appalled by the conflict between Israel and Palestine. The suffering and pain caused on both sides is a human tragedy. There are too many wars across the world causing immeasurable pain, none of which should be tolerated.
“Macklemore asked to join my tour last year and I agreed, because I respect him as an artist. As with all my support acts, I agree that they play a setlist of their choosing.
Macklemore has been removed from Sheeran’s upcoming US Loop tour(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
“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. 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.
Sheeran stated: “Macklemore coming off tour was the promoter’s decision, it was not mine. Macklemore’s contract for the tour was with the promoter, not me. I would never let down the fans who had made plans, nor would I abandon the touring crew and the other support acts and musicians who rely on me for work and to make a living.”
Ed Sheeran has said he is appalled at the conflict between Palestine and Israel (Image: teddysphotos/Instagram)
Sheeran claimed he “always used my platform and music to bring people from all backgrounds and cultures together and this won’t ever change”.
He added: “Those who have been to one of my shows will know that they are about unity, joy, escapism, love, and a place for everyone to feel welcome.
“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. Nor does it mean I don’t support causes in my own, personal way.
Ed Sheeran has said the decision to remove Macklemore was not his own(Image: teddysphotos/Instagram)
“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. 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.
“I have spent this week trying to build bridges, to find a solution and unfortunately, was unable to do so. I know who I am, both as a person and as an artist, and those who know my heart know my values too.”
Ed Sheeran has stated he is not complicit (Image: teddysphotos/Instagram)
Macklemore’s comments sparking the ongoing row were made at the MetLife Stadium on 4 September.
During the event he stated: “A big part of the reason why I wanted to do this tour in the first place is so that I could stand up in stadiums like this and say two words that are very, very dear to my heart: Free Palestine. I said, ‘Free Palestine!’ I want those words to be loud and clear, so that people all the way in Gaza to the occupied West Bank know that we have not forgotten about them.”
The next day he added: “To all of my Jewish brothers and sisters: criticism of Israel, criticism of apartheid, being against genocide in no way is a criticism of you. My message is for peace; love for all human beings to be treated with dignity, respect, and equality … So I say free Palestine, I say free Lebanon, I say free Cuba, I say free Congo, free Sudan, I say free all people in America living in fear of this terrorist organization, ICE. None of us will be free until we are all free.”
Robert Kraft, owner of Gillette Stadium, has confirmed he barred Macklemore from performing at his stadium.
The stadium owner has accused the US rapper of “hate speech” and promoting “antisemitic rhetoric”.
