Ed Sheeran Issues Statement, Confirms Robert Kraft Pressure Forced Macklemore Off Tour

Ed Sheeran finally broke his silence on the Macklemore situation, and his statement reveals the impossible position he was put in by billionaire venue owners who essentially held his entire tour hostage.

The British pop star didn’t mince words about what went down behind the scenes, laying out how the pressure campaign unfolded and why he ultimately had to remove the rapper from the remaining dates.

“I am appalled by the conflict between Israel and Palestine,” Sheeran wrote in his statement. “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.”

He made clear that his respect for Macklemore as an artist was genuine and that he’d given him the freedom to perform whatever setlist he wanted, as he had with all his other support acts.

But then the venues started calling. After Macklemore’s performances at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, where he shouted “Free Palestine” and flew a Palestinian flag, the situation escalated fast.

“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,” Sheeran explained.

He spent an entire week trying to find middle ground, talking with venue operators, promoters, and activists on both sides of the conflict.

The real pressure came from Robert Kraft, the New England Patriots owner who controls Gillette Stadium.

According to Ed Sheeran, Kraft had “rallied some of the other stadium owners” and collectively gave Sheeran an ultimatum: keep Macklemore on the tour or lose access to their venues entirely.

That’s not a suggestion. That’s a threat to cancel hundreds of thousands of dollars in shows and disappoint hundreds of thousands of fans.

Sheeran was clear about one thing: “Macklemore coming off tour was the promoter’s decision, it was not mine.”

He emphasized that he’d never let down the fans who’d made plans or abandon the touring crew and other support acts who depend on him for their livelihoods.

The decision wasn’t about silencing Macklemore or disagreeing with his message. It was about survival.

“I am not complicit,” Sheeran stated. “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.”

What makes Sheeran’s position particularly complex is his philosophy on using his platform.

“There is a reason I do not use my professional platform for politics,” he wrote. “My audience includes young people, often children, of all backgrounds. Those who come to my shows do not expect a political forum.”

He acknowledged Macklemore’s strength and conviction while defending his own approach.

“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.”

The tour resumes September 19 in Philadelphia with Lukas Graham and Aaron Rowe as the remaining opening acts, and Sheeran’s statement makes it clear he’s still processing the fallout from this entire ordeal.