Ed Sheeran is famously apolitical as a performer, and he's now trying to distance himself from a growing controversy related to his tour and the rapper Macklemore. In an Instagram post Tuesday, Sheeran made clear that he didn't push Macklemore off his tour over his comments in favor of Palestinians—but he also didn't change the minds of the venue owners who did, including New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft. "I am not complicit," wrote Sheeran, reports the Hollywood Reporter. "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."
The controversy began earlier this month, when Macklemore performed on Sheeran's bill at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. "I wanted to stand up on here on stages and stadiums across America and say two words that are very near and dear to my heart: Free Palestine," said the US rapper. Macklemore also performed his song "Hind's Hall," which refers to Israel's action in Gaza as a "genocide," per the New York Times. He then came under criticism from groups including the Anti-Defamation League and StopAntisemitism, as well as from Kraft, who called Sheeran personally. The singer is scheduled to play at Kraft's Gillette Stadium next month.
Sheeran said he spent a week on the phone "trying to build a bridge" and stressed that Macklemore's contract was with the tour promoter, Messina Touring Group, not him. Macklemore has drawn vocal support from celebrities, activists, and politicians, including Reps. Pramila Jayapal and Ilhan Omar, and Greta Thunberg. "Full solidarity and free Palestine," Thunberg wrote on a post from Macklemore. "Artists' very active silence in the face of injustice and genocide will not be forgotten."
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