// BBC WORLD NEWS — MONDO
Ed Sheeran says it was 'not my decision' to drop Macklemore from tour
Ed Sheeran and Macklemore, pictured in 2014, have been friends for 13 years, the rapper said in his statement on Monday
Ed Sheeran has posted a long statement on Instagram, saying it was not his decision to drop Macklemore from his current US tour.
The US rapper - whose real name is Benjamin Haggerty - was ejected from the line-up after making pro-Palestinian statements at two dates in New Jersey.
His comments drew criticism from Jewish groups, after which some venues put pressure on the tour promoters to have him removed from the line-up.
In his statement, external, Sheeran said he had spoken with the venues "at length all week to try and build a bridge" - but the promoters, Messina Touring Group, had ultimately decided to remove Macklemore from the bill.
"Macklemore coming off tour was the promoter's decision, it was not mine," he wrote. "Macklemore's contract for the tour was with the promoter, not me.
"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."
The star also attempted to explain his decision not to become embroiled in political issues.
"I am not complicit," he wrote. "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."