Aaron Rowe defends Ed Sheeran amid Macklemore row

Irish singer-songwriter Aaron Rowe has defended Ed Sheeran amid the continuing row over Macklemore's removal from the singer's Loop Tour, saying people are "focusing on the wrong person".

Rowe, who withdrew from his remaining dates supporting Ed Sheeran earlier this week, said he still believed Macklemore should not have been removed from the tour and that Sheeran's response to the controversy "could have been a lot better".

However, in a video shared on social media, the Dublin musician defended Sheeran personally.

"I'm gonna be honest. I think yous are all focusing on the wrong person here," he said.

"All I keep hearing in Ed Sheeran this, Ed Sheeran that, when yous really should be focusing on the likes of Robert Kraft.", a reference to the owner of the Gillette Stadium where Sheeran is due to play next week.

Kraft has said the decision not to allow Macklemore perform at Gillette Stadium followed the rapper's recent comments and material shown during his New Jersey performances, and what he described as "a broader history of antisemitic rhetoric and imagery".

He said it was "not about diminishing the suffering of innocent Palestinians or denying anyone the right to advocate on their behalf".

Rowe said he believed the decision to remove Macklemore had been rushed.

"I fully believe it was panic stations over there," he said, adding that those involved had "been getting it from all angles".

Rowe said he had not had much opportunity to speak to Sheeran since the controversy began, but added: "I fully believe he knows it was a mistake."

Sheeran said earlier this week that Macklemore's removal had been the decision of tour promoter Messina Touring Group rather than his.

He said venues on upcoming dates had indicated they would pull the concerts if Macklemore remained on the bill and that he had spent several days speaking to venues in an effort to find a resolution, including holding discussions with New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft.

Messina Touring Group seperatly confirmed that it had been notified by venues hosting upcoming dates that they would not allow concerts to take place with Macklemore on the line-up.

In the video, Rowe also pointed to a number of artists who had appeared on Sheeran's Loop Tour, including Beoga, BIIRD and Macklemore, all of whom have publicly expressed support for Palestinians.

He went on to praise Sheeran for the support he has given him and other artists.

"I know Ed Sheeran has done so much for so many people, including artists like me, who he's literally changed their entire lives," he said.

"All he has inside of him is kindness. That is who Ed Sheeran is. And yes, like every other human being, he makes mistakes."

Rowe said he believed attention should instead be directed towards Kraft.

Macklemore has rejected suggestions that his criticism of Israel amounts to criticism of Jewish people.

The rapper was removed from his remaining dates on Sheeran's tour after making comments in support of Palestinians while performing at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey earlier this month.

Rowe, Beoga, Finneas and Lukas Graham subsequently withdrew from upcoming appearances on the Loop Tour.

Sheeran's tour is due to resume in Philadelphia on Saturday.