Ed Sheeran addresses the backlash after American rapper Macklemore is removed as an opening act on his U.S. tour. Multiple outlets report Sheeran has issued statements responding to claims tied to Macklemore’s pro-Palestinian comments and the fallout that followed the announcement.

Sheeran says the decision to drop Macklemore was not his and that the tour promoter was responsible, while he also expresses regret for the disruption to fans. Stuff.co.nz and ABC News US describe him apologising as the controversy continues, and The Independent and Mirror highlight his message that he is “not complicit.” RTE News similarly reports Sheeran’s position that he did not make the call.

The outlets also note broader repercussions. CBS News and HuffPost UK report that other supporting acts quit or were pulled from the tour in solidarity with Macklemore. Inquirer.net and The New Yorker describe the situation as part of a larger public debate around accountability and responses to the Gaza war, including statements from public figures critical of Sheeran’s approach.