British singer Ed Sheeran described the situation in Gaza as “catastrophic, unjustifiable and disproportionate” during a Philadelphia concert, as controversy continued over rapper Macklemore’s removal from the remaining US dates of Sheeran’s Loop Tour.
Speaking at Lincoln Financial Field on Saturday, Sheeran said he had not wanted to become an “activist musician” but had found himself involved in a wider debate over freedom of speech and the role of concert venues in determining what performers can say.
Sheeran described the October 7, 2023 Hamas-led attack in Israel as “horrific” and said it had compounded centuries of Jewish suffering. He then turned to the humanitarian situation in Gaza.
“What is happening in Gaza is catastrophic and unjustifiable and disproportionate,” Sheeran told the audience. He said his heart had been “broken” by the scale of civilian deaths, particularly the loss of children’s lives, and said what he described as systemic injustice in the West Bank could not be ignored.
The remarks came amid a dispute over Macklemore, who was removed from Sheeran’s US tour after making pro-Palestinian comments during a performance at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium earlier this month. Macklemore had performed his song “Hind’s Hall” and said “Free Palestine” during the show.
Macklemore later said several US venues had indicated they would not allow him to perform as part of Sheeran’s tour. Sheeran said earlier that the decision to remove the rapper was made by the promoter rather than by him, adding that stadium owners had threatened to prevent Macklemore from appearing at upcoming shows.
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The dispute prompted several supporting acts to withdraw from Sheeran’s tour in solidarity with Macklemore. Sheeran’s Philadelphia concert subsequently went ahead without an opening act.
Sheeran also apologised to his audience for decisions made during the controversy.
“This week, the criticism was about something much more important and I’ve had to take and make difficult decisions,” he said. “I am making mistakes, and I am so, so sorry.”
The singer said he was particularly concerned about the idea of venues pre-approving the content of performers’ shows.
“I am deeply worried about the idea that venues should pre-approve content of performers,” Sheeran said, adding that such practices occur at venues where he performs around the world but, in his view, should not happen in the free world.
He said his concerts had always been intended as spaces where everyone was welcome.
“My concerts have always been a safe space for everyone, and that matters hugely to me,” he said. “This concert is still a place where everyone is welcome.”
The controversy has highlighted tensions between artists, promoters and major concert venues over who controls performers’ appearances and content. AP reported that venue owners can exert significant influence because they have the power to restrict or cancel performances, while promoters typically handle tour logistics and bookings.
Dozens of pro-Palestinian protesters gathered near Lincoln Financial Field before Sheeran’s Philadelphia performance. The demonstrators sought to draw attention to conditions in Gaza and support Palestinian advocacy groups.
Sheeran’s comments marked a significant departure from his earlier emphasis that his concerts should not serve as political forums. His latest remarks instead addressed both the humanitarian consequences of the Gaza conflict and the broader question of whether performers should be able to express political views on stage.
