Ed Sheeran faces growing backlash as radio station bans songs, protest groups respond to Macklemores removal

Ed Sheeran continues to deal with the backlash surrounding Macklemore’s removal from the singer’s US tour.An Irish radio station announced Thursday that, in response to the controversy and feedback from listeners, it would no longer play music released by the 35-year-old “Shape of You” singer for the “foreseeable future.”Dave Kelly, group program director at Bay Broadcasting, which runs Classic Hits Radio, told The Independent the 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,” Kelly 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.”He added his company “believe(s) 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 performance at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, Sept.

4 and 5.He 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 him from the tour, telling the singer he would not be allowed to perform at Gillette Stadium and by encouraging other stadium owners to issue a similar ultimatum.Following Macklemore’s removal from the tour, four other supporting acts cho...