ED Sheeran has issued a statement after rapper Macklemore was dropped from his tour after making pro-Palestine statements.
The US rapper opened for Sheeran at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey last week when he told the audience he wanted people in Gaza and the West Bank to know they had "not been forgotten" amid Israel's genocide.
Macklemore was due to appear at eight of the 10 shows left on the US leg of Sheeran’s tour, but it has emerged that he was dropped after several venues allegedly told the tour's promoter that they would not allow him to perform.
In a statement on Monday evening, Macklemore urged fans to remember that he is "not a victim".
"The victims are the Palestinian people," he wrote.
"The men, women and children who have been killed, starved, displaced and forced to live through unimaginable silence."
And on Tuesday, Sheeran issued a statement of his own, saying he is "not complicit" and that he chooses not to speak publicly about politics and the ongoing genocide in Gaza because his audience contains "young people".
Sheeran said: "I am appalled by the conflict between Israel and Palestine. 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."
Sheeran said that Macklemore had asked to join his tour last year, and that the setlist was of his own choosing.
He continued: "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 message during his performance, rather than on everything that was said."
Sheeran said he "spoke with the venues at length all week to try and build a bridge", and was "involved in direct talks with promoters along with activists on both sides to try and find a mutual resolution for all".
But he added that "the venue's and promoter's decision was final".
Sheeran continued: "Macklemore coming off tour was the promoter's decision, it was not mine.
"Macklemore's contract for the tour was with the promoter, not me."
He added: "I have always used my platform and music to bring people from all backgrounds and cultures together and this won't ever change.
"Those who have been to one of my shows will know that they are about unity, joy, escapism, love, and a place for everyone to feel welcome."
Sheeran said he is "not complicit", adding: "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. Nor does it mean I don't support causes in my own, personal way."
Sheeran said he does not use his "professional platform for politics" because his audience "includes young people, often children, of all backgrounds".
"Those who come to my shows do not expect a political forum," he wrote.
Sheeran continued: "I respect Macklemore's strength of purpose to stand up and shout for what he believes.
"However, there is room for multiple approaches to the same end: peace.
"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.
"If we only focus on shouting the loudest, nothing will ever change. There are different approaches to being an advocate for change."
Sheeran concluded: "I know who I am, both as a person and as an artist, and those who know my heart know my values too."
Scottish rock band Garbage also weighed in, branding the decision to drop Macklemore as "sheer madness" and "wildly unjust".
In a statement on social media, the band said that Macklemore's words "were not antisemitic", saying the rapper "is being punished for simply pleading for the occupation, the oppression and the violence to stop".
