NEW YORK — Ed Sheeran spoke out after Macklemore was pulled as the supporting act on his tour following comments the rapper made about Palestine. And it’s costing him his backing band and three supporting acts.

According to the Sheeran, the choice to drop Macklemore was made by the tour’s promoter when venues hosting the pair’s visits became uncomfortable with the how the opener expressed his politics.

“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,” according to a message Sheeran posted to social media. “I spoke with the venues at length all week to try and build a bridge. One of those people was [Gillette Stadium owner] Robert Kraft. I was also involved in direct talks with promoters along with activists on both sides to try and find a mutual resolution for all, but the venue’s and promoter’s decision was final.”

The controversy began following a New Jersey performance where Macklemore said “Free Palestine” along with other comments opposing Israel’s invasion of Gaza after Hamas attacked Israelis on Oct. 7, 2023.

Two more acts including Macklemore’s planned replacements announced on Tuesday that they would exit the Loop tour along with the Seattle rapper.

Traditional Irish band Beoga, who were touring as Sheeran’s support band, posted on Instagram that they’re out “following the silencing of Macklemore.”

Irish performer Aaron Rowe called the Gaza occupation “Israeli genocide” in an Instagram post stating that he’s joining the exodus.

“I don’t take this decision lightly,” Rowe wrote.

He was to have filled in for Macklemore for the remainder of the tour’s U.S. dates, which includes two Gillette Stadium performances in Massachusetts.

Billie Eilish’s brother Finneas offered support for Palestine and Macklemore in an announcement stating his band won’t be traveling to South America to perform with Sheeran when the tour heads below the equator in November.

“Artists must not be silenced when they speak for the oppressed,” Finneas posted.

A third supporting act, Lukas Graham, also withdrew from the tour.

According to Sheeran, he too is “appalled by the conflict between Israel and Palestine,” but chooses not to get into the politics of the “human tragedy” playing out overseas. He also makes clear in his statement he’d rather not interfere in matters playing out around his tour in the U.S.

“I would never let down the fans who had made plans, nor would I abandon the touring crew and the other support acts and musicians who rely on me for work and to make a living,” Sheeran added.

That isn’t to say Sheeran, who’s English, isn’t aware of the conflict in Gaza.

“I am not complicit,” he wrote. “I have my views on this devastating conflict. Just because I choose not to speak publicly doesn’t mean I don’t have them, and it doesn’t mean I don’t care.”

Macklemore put the blame for his departure on “Sheeran and his team” in a statement posted Monday that said he still considers his longtime friend and colleague a brother.

“Because of that, we’ve had some difficult conversations this week,” he wrote.

Macklemore repeated his support for “the Palestinian people,” whom he referred to as the real victims in the matter.

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