Ed Sheeran responds to backlash over removing Macklemore from tour after ‘Free Palestine’ comments

English singer outlined his position after US stadium owners refused to let rapper perform after political speech

• Macklemore dropped from Ed Sheeran’s US tour after ‘free Palestine’ speech

Singer Ed Sheeran has responded to the backlash over the removal of Macklemore from his North American Loop tour, following the rapper’s “Free Palestine” speech on stage at MetLife stadium in New Jersey.

In a two-minute speech on 4 September, the Grammy-winning artist told the audience he wanted the people of Gaza and “the occupied West Bank” to know “we have not forgotten about them”, prompting owners of subsequent stadium tour venues – including Robert Kraft, the billionaire owner of the New England Patriots and a prominent supporter of and donor to Israel – to object to Macklemore’s appearance on the tour.