Ed Sheeran responds to backlash over Macklemore's removal from tour after 'Free Palestine' speech

English singer Ed Sheeran has responded to criticism following the removal of rapper Macklemore from his North American "Loop" tour, according to The Guardian.

The controversy stems from a speech Macklemore delivered on stage at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on 4 September. During the roughly two-minute address, the Grammy-winning artist told the audience he wanted the people of Gaza and "the occupied West Bank" to know that "we have not forgotten about them," according to the report.

The remarks prompted objections from owners of venues scheduled to host subsequent stops on the tour, The Guardian reported. Among those who objected to Macklemore's continued appearance on the tour was Robert Kraft, the billionaire owner of the New England Patriots, who is described in the report as a prominent supporter of and donor to Israel.

Following the objections, Macklemore was dropped from the remaining dates of Sheeran's tour, according to the report. Sheeran has now outlined his position on the decision amid public backlash, though the specific content of his response was not detailed in the available excerpt.

The Guardian's report did not specify the full extent of Sheeran's comments or further details on the sequence of events leading to Macklemore's removal.