Ed Sheeran is setting the record straight. Amid heavy backlash, the pop star clarified that he did not make the decision to remove Macklemore from his Loop Tour.
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The controversy began earlier in September. During two New Jersey shows, Macklemore called for a “Free Palestine” from the stage. Consequently, venues on the upcoming tour communicated that they would pull the shows if he stayed on the bill.
Sheeran posted a statement on Instagram on Tuesday, captioned “It’s important that I set out some facts.” He wrote:
“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.”
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He also emphasized that the promoter, Messina Touring Group, made the final call. He said:
“The venue’s and promoter’s decision was final. I have spent this week trying to build bridges, to find a solution and unfortunately, was unable to do so.”
Macklemore responded earlier that day. He called Sheeran a “brother” but criticized his neutral approach. He wrote:
“There is no neutral position between the oppressor and the oppressed.”
Macklemore also named Robert Kraft, owner of Gillette Stadium, as a driving force behind the ultimatum. Kraft issued his own statement, saying the decision was “not about diminishing the suffering of innocent Palestinians.”
oppressor = Arb and Islmc colonialism
White neo nzi boy you don’t get to decide how Jews retaliate against arb/mslm trrirzm.
Don’t project your white colonialism and guilt on the Jews.
You pis of 💩
You still have guilt over that Grammy win 😂
Of course the comments are locked lmao you f***** up Ed! Zara pulled your wig – when it’s to support Ukraine (a rightful cause) you spoke up! Plus your distance from a man who just called you brother shows how much of a spineless backstabber you are