Ed Sheeran Controversy Escalates as Radio Stations Get Involved
Ed Sheeran Controversy Escalates as Radio Stations Get Involved
Vanshika Vasundhare SinghThu, September 17, 2026 at 4:45 PM UTC
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Photo Credit: @EdSheeran / YouTube
Ed Sheeran faced another setback after an Irish radio station announced it would stop playing his music. The decision followed the fallout over Macklemore’s removal from Sheeran’s tour after the rapper voiced support for Palestine.
The controversy had already led all of Sheeran’s remaining support acts to withdraw from the tour. It also sparked criticism after Sheeran addressed Macklemore’s removal while saying he wanted his concerts to remain apolitical.
Irish radio station removes Ed Sheeran from its airwaves following the Macklemore dispute
According to JOE,Classic Hits Radio announced Thursday that it had removed Sheeran’s music from its playlist “for the foreseeable future.” The station said the decision followed feedback from listeners. Dave Kelly, Group Programme Director at Bay Broadcasting, said the move followed “carefully considered” discussions. He also stressed that it “was not intended as a personal judgement on Ed Sheeran.”
“We acknowledge his own explanation of the circumstances surrounding recent events,” Kelly said, according to Classic Hits Radio. “As an independent Irish-owned radio station, however, we believe it is important to listen to our audience and to stand alongside Irish artists who have made what is undoubtedly a significant professional decision based on their own convictions.”
The dispute began after Macklemore made several statements supporting Palestinians during a concert at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. The rapper also called for a “free Palestine.” After this, the tour’s promoter removed him from the remaining dates of Sheeran’s U.S. tour.
Macklemore later claimed on Instagram that Robert Kraft, the owner of Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts, had pressured Sheeran over his inclusion on the tour. Sheeran subsequently said the tour’s promoter made the decision to remove Macklemore. This was after venue owners raised concerns about having him on the bill.
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Sheeran said he was not “complicit” in the decision and that he had tried to find a resolution. He also said he wanted to keep his concerts apolitical while acknowledging the seriousness of the situation.
The controversy then spread through Sheeran’s touring lineup. Finneas, Lukas Graham, Aaron Rowe and Irish folk band Beoga all withdrew from the remaining U.S. tour dates in solidarity with Macklemore.
Kelly said Classic Hits Radio wanted to acknowledge Sheeran’s explanation while also responding to its listeners. The station also highlighted its support for Irish artists who had made professional decisions based on their convictions.
“Ultimately, our position is a simple one,” Kelly said. “We believe in peace, humanity and respect, and in the right of people and artists to express and act upon their sincerely held views.”
For Sheeran, the radio decision adds another development to the ongoing controversy surrounding his Loop Tour.
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Source: “AOL Entertainment”
