Ed Sheeran Says Gaza Situation Is ‘Unjustifiable’ During First US Tour Show

British pop star Ed Sheeran has described the situation in Gaza as “catastrophic and unjustifiable” while addressing concertgoers at his first show since controversy erupted over his US tour.

Speaking at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia on Saturday, Sheeran said he was deeply affected by the destruction and loss of civilian and children’s lives in Gaza. He also said he wanted his concerts to focus on “unity and humanity” rather than politics.

The singer’s comments come after rapper Macklemore was removed as an opening act from Sheeran’s Loop Tour after he shouted “Free Palestine” during a concert in New Jersey earlier this month.

Sheeran denied being responsible for Macklemore’s removal, saying the decision was made by the tour promoter. He said he had held discussions with venues in an attempt to resolve the dispute.

Four other supporting acts subsequently withdrew from the tour, publicly citing their support for Palestinians.

At Saturday’s concert, Sheeran acknowledged that he had faced difficult decisions, saying he had made mistakes and apologising to fans. He also said the controversy had placed him in the middle of a major debate over freedom of speech and the Israel-Palestine conflict.

Sheeran condemned the Hamas-led attacks on Israel on 7 October 2023, describing them as horrific, while saying the current situation in Gaza was “catastrophic and unjustifiable”.

Outside the Philadelphia stadium, pro-Palestinian protesters gathered, waving Palestinian flags and chanting “Free Palestine”. Some demonstrators said they had chosen not to attend the concert because of Sheeran’s handling of the controversy.

Other fans, however, said they attended simply to enjoy his music and support the singer, keeping politics separate from the concert.

Sheeran has previously said that he has personal views about the conflict but had chosen not to express them publicly. He maintained that remaining quiet did not mean he had no personal position on the issue.

• Tweet
• Share
• Share
• Share
• Share