‘What is happening in Gaza is catastrophic and unjustifiable’: Ed Sheeran addresses Macklemore row on stage
Ed Sheeran on Saturday addressed the controversy surrounding rapper Macklemore’s removal from his US tour, saying he could no longer “hide” how he feels about the conflict in Gaza.Speaking at Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field, Sheeran opened his solo concert by addressing the controversy and the wider debate over free speech that has engulfed his Loop Tour.“I don’t want to disappoint fans, and I’ve never wanted to be an activist musician, but this has put me in the middle of an important and passionate argument about freedom of speech and the most complex political issue on the planet,” Sheeran said.He acknowledged that he had made “mistakes” while navigating the difficult decisions surrounding the controversy.“My concerts have always been a safe space for everyone,” he said, adding that he remained committed to his fans.“Now, I want to address the question of where I stand in the situation in Israel and Palestine, and whether my doing this concert here tonight implies where I stand,” he said.“I have tried in my career not to be a political commentator of any kind, because I want my music and shows to be about unity, not division; about humanity, not politics. But this is a humanitarian issue, and I cannot hide how I feel about it anymore.”The controversy began after Macklemore made pro-Palestinian remarks during Sheeran’s September 4 and 5 shows at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, including saying “Free Palestine” and performing his protest song “Hind’s Hall”.Macklemore was subsequently removed from the remaining US dates after venues objected to his participation, according to the tour promoter. Several supporting acts later withdrew from the tour in solidarity with Macklemore.Sheeran described the October 7, 2023 attacks in Israel as “horrific and compounded centuries of Jewish pain”. “What happened in Israel and at the Nome Museum Festival on October 7 was horrific and compounded centuries of Jewish pain. What is happening in Gaza is catastrophic and unjustifiable, and disproportionate,” Sheeran said.“What is happening in Gaza is catastrophic and unjustifiable and disproportionate. My heart has been broken by the scale of of devastation and loss of civilian lives, of children’s lives, and this systemic injustice we’re seeing unfold in the West Bank cannot be overlooked,” he added.Sheeran said he was trying “to work out how to make a contribution that helps victims of these terrible times and listening and learning, because I do not know enough”.He also said he was “deeply worried about the idea that venues pre-approve content for performance”.The singer ended his remarks by saying he wanted his concerts to remain spaces where people with opposing views could come together.“I am honestly so grateful that you’re here tonight with me,” he told the audience.“This concert is still a place where everyone is welcome and everyone here can stand beside people that have opposing views.”Why was Macklemore removed?Macklemore’s remarks at Sheeran’s MetLife Stadium shows drew criticism from some Jewish and pro-Israel organisations. The Israeli-American Council called for him to be removed from the tour.Messina Touring Group, the promoter behind the US leg of the Loop Tour, subsequently announced that Macklemore would no longer perform on the remaining dates.The promoter said venues had informed it that they would not allow concerts featuring Macklemore to proceed, potentially leading to cancellations affecting hundreds of thousands of ticket holders.Sheeran has said the decision was made by the promoter and venues, not by him. He also said he was concerned about the idea of venues deciding in advance what performers can say on stage.Macklemore later said he and Sheeran had held “difficult conversations” following the MetLife shows. He maintained his support for Palestinians and said he did not regret using the tour stage to speak about the conflict. He has also pledged $1 million to Palestinian relief organisations.Robert Kraft, the billionaire owner of Gillette Stadium and the New England Patriots, confirmed that Macklemore would not perform at the venue. Kraft, who is Jewish, accused the rapper of hate speech and said he was “only sharing selective information and ignoring the actions of Hamas”.Several supporting acts, including Irish singer-songwriter Aaron Rowe, Danish musician Lukas Graham and his backing band Beoga, later withdrew from the tour. They said Macklemore’s removal raised concerns about freedom of speech.Despite the controversy, several fans attending Sheeran’s Philadelphia concert said they continued to support the singer. Some concertgoers said they had hesitated about attending because of the dispute but ultimately decided to go to the show.Others chose to attend a protest outside the stadium instead, while some fans said they wanted to put the controversy aside and enjoy the music. Reuters reported that fans at the concert largely expressed support for Sheeran despite the backlash.Pro-Palestinian protesters also gathered outside Lincoln Financial Field ahead of the concert, criticising Macklemore’s removal from the tour. Sheeran’s Loop Tour is scheduled to continue with shows across North and South America.
