Ed Sheeran’s scheduled concerts at Gillette Stadium near Boston this weekend were canceled due to severe weather conditions, officials announced on Thursday. The 35-year-old singer was set to perform on consecutive nights, but forecasts of high winds prompted the decision to call off the shows to ensure safety.

The cancellations come amid ongoing controversy surrounding Sheeran’s US tour. The dispute intensified after Sheeran’s original support act, rapper Macklemore, was removed from the lineup at the request of Robert Kraft, owner of Gillette Stadium and the New England Patriots football team. Kraft, who is Jewish, reportedly objected to Macklemore’s previous pro-Palestine statements made during earlier performances. Following Macklemore’s removal, other opening acts withdrew from the tour in solidarity with the rapper.

Sheeran faced criticism for his handling of the situation, which many perceived as inconsistent. In response, he issued a tearful apology during a recent concert, acknowledging mistakes in his approach to the controversy.

Kraft, 85, confirmed the cancellations citing safety concerns related to the weather forecast. “Due to the severe weather forecast, the tour has made the difficult decision to cancel the Ed Sheeran concerts,” he said. The Gillette Stadium area had warnings of potentially hazardous winds, leading organizers to prioritize the safety of performers, staff, and fans.

The cancellation of these shows marks a temporary pause in Sheeran’s tour as the artist and his team navigate both the adverse weather conditions and the public fallout caused by the earlier dispute. No immediate rescheduling details have been announced.