Ed Sheeran has spoken out about the decision to no longer support rapper Macklemore on his US "Loop" tour, after he spoke about the war between Israel and Palestine and called for a "free Palestine" during a performance in New Jersey.
Sheeran explained that the decision was not made by him, but by the concert organizers. He said that after Macklemore's performances at MetLife Stadium on September 4th and 5th, the organizers of the upcoming concerts announced that they would cancel the performances if the rapper remained on the tour.
"Macklemore's tour contract was with the tour organizers, not me, so they decided he would no longer be a part of it," Sheeran said.
The singer added that he is disgusted by the conflict between Israel and Palestine, but that he does not want to use his professional platform for political messages.
"I have always used my platform and music to bring people together from all backgrounds and cultures, and that will never change," he said.
Macklemore performed "Hind's Hall" during a performance in New Jersey while images of the destruction in Gaza were shown on screens. His speech was followed by criticism and a petition calling for his removal from the remaining tour dates.
Tour organizer Messina Touring Group then confirmed that the rapper would not perform at the remaining concerts.
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