Ed Sheeran is a weasel.
He won’t take responsibility for canceling Macklemore from his tour after the rapper conducted a “Free Palestine” rally at his show last week in New Jersey.
Fans were outraged that Macklemore used his role as opening act to go on a bender against Israel. Many Jewish fans left before Sheeran performed.
Consequently, Messina Touring canceled Macklemore after New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft said he wouldn’t allow him in Gillette Stadium. He convinced owners of other stadiums where Sheeran was booked to do the same.
Now Sheeran says it was the promoter’s decision. He actually says, “I am not complicit,” suggesting that he would have had no problem with Macklemore pulling the same stunt at 8 more shows.
On Instagram, Sheeran says: “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.“
“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.“
“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.“
He added, “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.“
