Sheeran says Israeli critic Macklemore axed from tour at promoter's behest

By Kanishka Singh Sept 15 (Reuters) - Pop star Ed Sheeran said the decision to drop pro-Palestinian rapper Macklemore from his U.S. concert tour was made by organisers, not him, after he failed to defuse the latest show-business furore over the Gaza conflict. Macklemore, a longtime critic of Israel's assault on Gaza, was axed from the U.S. leg of Sheeran's Loop Tour after his "Free Palestine" remarks during a concert earlier this month in New Jersey triggered a backlash. Venue owners said they would not allow a concert with Macklemore in the lineup.