Macklemore was removed from the tour on Monday, sparking a backlash that included Sheeran’s other support acts dropping out in protest.

Sheeran has said the decision to drop the rapper was made by his promoters, Messina Touring Group, not by him.

Messina Touring Group said Macklemore was dropped because some venues – such as Kraft’s Gillette Stadium – would refuse to let the concerts take place if he performed, meaning the tour would have been cancelled if Macklemore remained on the bill.

Sheeran, who played at Kraft’s wedding in 2022, has faced criticism from some for his apparent acceptance of the decision.

In his statement on Tuesday, the singer said he respects “Macklemore’s strength of purpose to stand up and shout for what he believes”, and that while he doesn’t use his own platform for politics, that “doesn’t mean I don’t care” or “support causes in my own, personal way”.

The singer-songwriter also said he did not want to let down his fans or crew by cancelling the tour, which is set to resume in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on Saturday.

Although some artists like Billy Bragg have called for Sheeran to scrap the tour, that would potentially leave the musician and his promoters liable for huge sums for costs including venue hire and ticket refunds.

Sheeran is able to perform solo, even if his set has to be reconfigured to compensate for the loss of Irish folk band Beoga, who previously accompanied him for several songs.