Ed Sheeran has broken his silence on the controversy engulfing his US tour, calling the situation in Gaza “catastrophic”, “unjustifiable” and “disproportionate” as he returned to the stage in Philadelphia.
According to Al Jazeera, Sheeran made the remarks while opening his solo concert at Lincoln Financial Field on Saturday, his first show since American rapper Macklemore was removed from the US leg of the Loop Tour.
“I’ve had to take and make difficult decisions, and I am making mistakes, and I am so, so sorry,” Sheeran told the crowd, saying he wanted his concerts to focus on “unity and humanity” rather than politics, but could no longer remain silent on Gaza.
The controversy erupted after Macklemore supported Palestinians at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium on September 4, saying “Free Palestine” and that Gaza and the occupied West Bank had not been forgotten.
He was dropped from the remaining US dates after venues reportedly said they would not host him. Promoter Messina Touring Group said shows could otherwise be cancelled. Macklemore alleged Robert Kraft pressured venues; Kraft confirmed his organisation barred him from Gillette Stadium over what he called hate speech.
Finneas, Lukas Graham, Aaron Rowe and Beoga then withdrew, citing support for Palestine. Finneas wrote, “I stand with Palestine and its people.”
Sheeran performed solo in Philadelphia, with the concert reportedly delayed 2½ hours. About 50 pro-Palestinian protesters gathered outside.
He also condemned the 7 October, 2023 attacks while expressing heartbreak over civilian and child deaths in Gaza.
