PHILADELPHIA — Ed Sheeran called the situation in Gaza “catastrophic and unjustifiable” Saturday as he addressed criticism over his handling of the controversy involving former opening act Macklemore.
Sheeran made the remarks during his first concert since Macklemore left the singer’s Loop Tour after making pro-Palestinian comments at a New Jersey show earlier this month.
“What is happening in Gaza is catastrophic and unjustifiable and disproportionate,” Sheeran told the Philadelphia audience.
“Our hearts have been broken by the scale of devastation and loss of civilians’ lives, children’s lives, and the systemic injustice we’re seeing unfold in the West Bank cannot be overlooked,” he said.
Macklemore drew criticism after saying “Free Palestine” during his New Jersey performance, prompting backlash from owners of U.S. stadiums scheduled to host Sheeran’s tour.
Sheeran has denied involvement in the decision to remove Macklemore from the tour and said the promoter made the decision.
Four supporting acts later withdrew from the tour and publicly cited their support for Palestinians.
Sheeran addressed the controversy during Saturday’s concert and apologized to the audience.
“I’ve had to take and make difficult decisions, and I am making mistakes, and I’m so so sorry,” he said.
He also said he felt “deeply worried” about venues pre-approving the content of artists’ performances.
“This happens in so many places that I perform around the world, but it should never happen in the free world,” Sheeran said.
Protesters call for boycott
Dozens of pro-Palestinian protesters gathered outside Lincoln Financial Field before the concert, waving Palestinian flags and chanting “Free, free Palestine.”
Some fans said they considered skipping the concert because of the controversy but ultimately attended.
Brandon Ateke, an 18-year-old Brown University student, said he decided not to attend and instead joined the protest. He accused Sheeran of complicity in efforts to silence Macklemore.
The Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel, or PACBI, also called for a boycott of Sheeran’s world tour, including upcoming Latin American dates and planned European shows.
Sheeran opened Saturday’s concert without a supporting act. He later brought five musicians onto the stage and said they learned his songs in three days.
He thanked the musicians for joining him “in a week when no one wants to stand on stage with me.”
Finneas, who gained prominence through collaborations with his sister, Billie Eilish, was among the acts that withdrew from the tour.
The controversy comes as the Israel-Gaza war continues to draw protests and political statements across the entertainment industry, including at major music and film events.