Ed Sheeran‘s music is being removed from an Irish radio station amid the ongoing controversy surrounding Macklemore‘s removal from his Loop Tour.
Classic Hits Radio announced on Thursday (September 17) that it will stop playing the 35-year-old “Shape of You” singer’s music “for the foreseeable future.”
The decision comes after the station received feedback from listeners about the controversy, which began after Macklemore was removed from the remaining dates of Ed‘s tour following his pro-Palestine statements during shows at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Why is an Irish radio station removing Ed Sheeran’s music?
Classic Hits Radio said the decision was made after hearing from listeners who expressed “disappointment and concern” over the events surrounding the tour.
The station also pointed to Irish singer Aaron Rowe and Irish band Beoga‘s decisions to withdraw from Ed‘s tour in support of Macklemore.
“We have listened carefully to the reaction from our listeners over recent days. We also respect the decision taken by Irish artists Aaron Rowe and Beoga to step away from the tour on an issue about which they clearly feel very strongly,” Classic Hits Radio Group Program Director Dave Kelly said in a statement.
“Our decision to remove Ed Sheeran‘s music from the Classic Hits Radio playlist has been carefully considered. It is not intended as a personal judgement on Ed Sheeran, and we acknowledge his own explanation of the circumstances surrounding recent events,” he continued.
The station said Ed‘s music will remain off its playlist “for the foreseeable future,” though the decision will remain under review.
What has Ed Sheeran said about the Macklemore controversy?
Macklemore was removed from his remaining Loop Tour dates after multiple venues reportedly objected to him remaining on the lineup following his pro-Palestine comments during Ed‘s New Jersey concerts.
After his removal, Macklemore spoke out and revealed details about private conversations he had with Ed. He also claimed that New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, whose company owns Gillette Stadium, had objected to him performing at the venue and alleged that other stadium owners had also threatened to pull Ed‘s shows.
Robert later confirmed that he did not want Macklemore performing at Gillette Stadium, though he did not address the claim that he had rallied other venue owners.
Ed subsequently broke his silence and said the decision to remove Macklemore was not his. He said he had spent days speaking with venues in an attempt to find a solution before the tour promoter ultimately made the decision.
The controversy continued when Finneas, Aaron Rowe, Lukas Graham and Beoga all withdrew from the remaining tour dates in support of Macklemore and Palestine.
Ed Sheeran, Macklemore and Robert Kraft have announced major donations
The latest developments have also resulted in millions of dollars being pledged toward humanitarian aid.
Macklemore announced that he is donating his entire $1 million in net earnings from Ed‘s tour to six organizations supporting Palestinians. He also publicly invited Robert to match his donation.
Robert then revealed that Ed had already called him before Macklemore‘s public challenge and asked him to match a planned $2 million donation for humanitarian aid.
Robert subsequently announced that he would also commit $2 million. He said Ed planned to contact other venue owners in an effort to raise additional money.
Posted To:Ed Sheeran Macklemore Music Palestine
