Ed Sheeran has decided to address the controversy surrounding his American tour. During the tour’s first two shows, the opening act Macklemore displayed imagery of the Palestinian genocide and proclaimed “Free Palestine,” provoking the ire of artists like P!nk, who later had to explain herself.
Yesterday the rapper announced that he had been cut from the tour, and Sheeran has chosen to explain that it wasn’t his decision. He adds that he has spent the week trying to “build bridges.” The man behind “Perfect” took to Instagram to assure that, even though he does not take sides in the Palestine-Israel conflict, that does not mean he lacks a personal opinion.
The singer begins by saying he is “deeply troubled by the conflict between Israel and Palestine” and by the “pain felt on both sides,” describing it as a “humanitarian tragedy.” He clarifies that Macklemore asked to open last year and that he never interferes with the artistic decisions of his opening acts.
He explains: “After Macklemore’s shows in New Jersey, venues began telling me they would cancel the concerts if he remained the opener. I was told that this stance was based more on how Macklemore conveyed part of his message during his performance than on what he said. I’ve spent this week speaking with venues to build a bridge (…) but the decision by the venues and the promoters was already made.”
He then acknowledges that he hasn’t been able to do much: “Macklemore leaving this tour was a promoter’s decision, not mine. His contract was with the promoter, not with me.” And regarding his choice not to get involved in politics, he explains: “People who come to my concerts know that they’re about unity, fun, escapism, love, and a place where everyone is welcome.”
Perhaps mindful of the balanced message he’s aiming to convey, he adds: “I am not an accomplice; I have my own personal opinions about this devastating conflict. Just because I don’t state them publicly doesn’t mean I don’t have them, and doesn’t mean I don’t care. It doesn’t mean I don’t support causes in my personal way.” He also notes that many children attend his shows and that there are many paths to the same end—peace. “I choose to use my fame and my platform as a safe space, to maintain diplomacy and open conversations, rather than closed ones.”
