Ed Sheeran continues to deal with the backlash surrounding Macklemore's removal from the singer’s U.S.tour.An Irish radio station announced on Thursday that, in response to the controversy and the feedback from its listeners, it would no longer be play music released by the 35-year-old "Shape of You" singer for the "foreseeable future."Dave Kelly, group programme director at Bay Broadcasting, which runs Classic Hits Radio, told The Independent that their decision "has been carefully considered," and "is not intended as a personal judgment on Ed Sheeran.""We acknowledge his own explanation of the circumstances surrounding recent events," he said.
"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."An Irish radio station announced they will not be playing Sheeran's music for the "foreseeable future." (Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for iHeartRadio)ED SHEERAN SAYS HE TRIED TO ‘BUILD A BRIDGE’ OVER MACKLEMORE TOUR SPOT BEFORE VENUES SAID NOHe went on to say that they as a company "believe in peace, humanity and respect" as well as "the right of people and artists to express and act upon their sincerely held views.""In light of the strength of feeling expressed by our listeners and the decisions taken by Irish artists involved in the tour, we believe removing Ed Sheeran’s music from our playlist is the appropriate decision for Classic Hits Radio at this time," he concluded.The controversy began after Macklemore repeatedly called for a "Free Palestine" and performed his anti-Israel song "Hind’s Hall" during his opening act at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on Sept.4 and 5.AdvertisementHe was then dropped as an opening act on Sheeran's "Loop Tour." The "Thrift Shop" singer alleged that New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft pressured Sheeran into dropping hi...