Macklemore is now speaking out following the news that he was dropped from Ed Sheeran‘s upcoming Loop Tour dates amid controversy for his pro-Palestine statements onstage.
The 43-year-old “Can’t Hold Us” rapper shared a lengthy statement to his social media on Monday (September 14) confirming the news, while also addressing Ed and revealing what he claims happened behind the scenes.
“I’m not sure how to start this. So I’m going to speak from the heart and share the truth. Ed Sheeranand his team have made the decision to remove me from The LoopTour,” Macklemore began.
However, he stressed that he does not consider himself, Ed orPink, who recently criticized his message, to be a victim in the situation.
“The victims are the Palestinian people,” he wrote, before discussing the ongoing conflict in Gaza and the West Bank.
What Did Macklemore Say About Ed Sheeran?
Macklemore went on to describe Ed as a close friend of 13 years and said that the two had multiple difficult conversations in the days leading up to his removal from the tour.
“Edis my friend. I’ve known him for 13 years. We’ve shared late nights, studio sessions and stages,” he wrote. “I consider him a brother.”
He said their recent conversations were “rooted in love and respect” but ultimately ended in “fundamental disagreement.”
According to Macklemore, Ed told him that New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, whose Kraft Group owns Gillette Stadium, called him amid the controversy over Macklemore‘s performances at MetLife Stadium.
Macklemore claimed that Ed told him that Robert would not allow him to perform at Gillette Stadium, where Ed is scheduled to perform later this month.
He further alleged that Roberthad rallied other stadium owners, who collectively gave Ed an ultimatum.
“If Macklemore stays on the tour, you will not be allowed to play in our venues,” Macklemore claimedEdwas told.
Macklemore acknowledged the difficult position that allegedly put Ed in.
“Ed was in a f–ed up position. He knew it,” he wrote.
According to Macklemore, Ed told him that the phrase “Free Palestine” and imagery of the Palestinian flag had been hurtful to some of the people he spoke with.
Macklemore said he disagreed with that position and characterized Ed‘s public stance on the conflict as “I don’t take sides.”
Does Macklemore Blame Ed Sheeran?
Despite their disagreement, Macklemoremade it clear that he hopes his friendship with Ed will continue.
“I hope this isn’t the end of my relationship with Ed,” he wrote. “Thirteen years of friendship doesn’t disappear because of one painful disagreement.”
He added that his “door will always be open” to continuing their conversation.
Elsewhere in his statement, Macklemore reflected on the potential professional consequences of speaking publicly about Palestine, saying that taking a position can cost artists “money, brand deals, sponsorships, festivals, private shows, relationships and access.”
He also questioned why his statements became such a major issue during Ed‘s tour after he said he had been making similar remarks onstage for nearly three years.
“At a certain level of exposure, ‘Free Palestine’ becomes too much of a risk,” he wrote, arguing that his appearances on one of the world’s largest tours gave his message significantly more visibility.
Macklemorealso addressed accusations of antisemitism that have surrounded criticism of his advocacy, stressing that “antisemitism is real” while arguing that criticism of the Israeli government and Zionism should not be conflated with hatred of Jewish people.
He ended the statement by saying that he only needed the two shows he performed with Ed to get his message in front of massive stadium audiences.
“I didn’t need 10 shows from Ed. I needed 2,” he wrote. “Two chances to stand in front of 90,000 people and say the words that somehow became too dangerous to say.”
“But if those words cost me the stage, while turning the conversation back to Palestine, then it was the most successful tour I’ve ever been on.”
Ed and Roberthave not publicly responded to Macklemore‘s allegations as of this writing.
Earlier Monday, Messina Touring Group, the promoter behind the U.S. leg of the Loop Tour, confirmed that Macklemore would no longer perform at his remaining scheduled shows.
Posted To:Ed SheeranMacklemoreMusicPalestineRobert Kraft
