India, Sept. 17 -- Ed Sheeran has said the decision to remove Macklemore from the U.S. leg of his Loop Tour was made by the tour's promoter and venues, not by him, following the rapper's onstage comments supporting Palestine.
In a statement, Sheeran said venues on upcoming tour dates indicated they would withdraw if Macklemore remained on the lineup. He said he spoke with venues, promoters and activists on both sides in an effort to find a resolution, but the venue and promoter decision was final.
"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 me...