Ed Sheeran has broken his silence after Macklemore was dropped from his US tour.
Macklemore, whose real name is Benjamin Haggerty, shared a statement Monday on Instagram alleging that he was banned from opening for Sheeran on remaining tour dates due to comments he made on stage earlier this month in support of Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank while opening for the singer in New Jersey earlier this month.
The rapper alleged in his statement that Sheeran told him that New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft personally told him that Macklemore would not be allowed to perform at Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts due to his remarks.
In an Instagram post shared Tuesday, Sheeran confirmed Macklemore’s account about Kraft’s ultimatum, along with alleged boycotts from other venues on the tour.
He said that he was ‘appalled by the conflict in Israel and Palestine’ adding that the ‘pain caused on both sides is a human tragedy.’
“I spoke with the venues at length all week to try and build a bridge,” Sheeran said in his statement.
He continued: “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.”
The British singer then went on to defend himself against backlash following Macklemore’s statement, which called out his anti-political stance.
“I am not complicit,” Sheeran said. “I have my personal views on this devastating conflict. Just because I choose to not 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.”