Ed Sheeran says he tried to ‘build a bridge’ over Macklemore tour spot before venues said no

Ed Sheeran addressed Macklemore’s removal from his U.S. tour Tuesday, saying the rapper’s departure was ultimately a decision made by the concert promoter and venues — not by him.

The "Shape of You" singer said he was "appalled" by the conflict between Israel and Palestine and described the suffering on both sides as "a human tragedy," according to a lengthy statement shared on Instagram after Macklemore accused Sheeran and tour organizers of sidelining him over his pro-Palestinian remarks.

Following Sheeran's note, four supporting acts withdrew from the Loop Tour in solidarity with Macklemore, including Irish acts Aaron Rowe and Beoga, Lukas Graham , and Finneas.

MACKLEMORE DOUBLES DOWN AFTER GETTING KICKED OFF ED SHEERAN TOUR AFTER PRO-PALESTINE STANCE "Macklemore asked to join my tour last year and I agreed, because I respect him as an artist," Sheeran wrote.

"As with all my support acts, I agree that they play a setlist of their choosing." On Monday, Macklemore had claimed that Sheeran told him Robert Kraft , the owner of the New England Patriots and Gillette Stadium, had rallied other stadium owners to oppose allowing the rapper to perform.

According to his account, the venues allegedly gave Sheeran an ultimatum: "if Macklemore stays on the tour, you will not be allowed to play in our venues." Sheeran’s statement offered a different account of the events, saying that after Macklemore’s performances at his New Jersey shows, venues scheduled for upcoming tour dates told organizers they would pull the shows if Macklemore remained on the lineup.

"After Macklemore’s performances at my New Jersey shows, venues on my upcoming tour dates communicated that they would pull the shows if he was still supporting," Sheeran wrote.

"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.

I spoke with the venues at length all week to try and build a bridge.

One of those people was 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." MICHAEL RAPAPORT SLAMS 'CLOWN' MACKLEMORE FOR ANTI-ISRAEL PERFORMANCE "Macklemore coming off tour was the promoter’s decision, it was not mine," Sheeran added.

"Macklemore’s contract for the tour was with the promoter, not me." Macklemore was scheduled to perform at eight of the remaining U.S. dates on Sheeran’s "Loop Tour." Sheeran said he has deliberately avoided using his professional platform for politics because his audience includes young people and children from diverse backgrounds.