British singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran opened his concert in Philadelphia by describing the ongoing situation in Gaza as “catastrophic, unjustifiable and disproportionate.” The performance marked his first show since the removal of rapper Macklemore from the US leg of his tour. Sheeran stated that stadium owners, including Massachusetts billionaire Robert Kraft, refused to host Macklemore due to the rapper’s vocal advocacy for Palestine.
Addressing the audience, Sheeran emphasized his desire for his music to remain a platform for “humanity, not politics,” while expressing that his heart was “broken by the scale of devastation and loss of civilians’ lives, of children’s lives.” He further condemned the October 7 Hamas-led attacks on Israel as well as the “systemic injustice” occurring in the West Bank. The artist noted that he is currently engaging with various parties to determine how he can best contribute to aiding victims of the conflict.
The decision to drop Macklemore from the tour has sparked significant backlash. Pro-Palestinian demonstrators gathered outside the Philadelphia venue, carrying signs and denouncing the move. Adi Chattopadhyay, a spokesperson for the protest organizers, stated that the demonstration aimed to highlight Macklemore’s message and the ongoing conditions in Gaza. Another protester, Ed Doogan, criticized Sheeran’s handling of the situation, questioning the artist’s decision to proceed with the tour despite the controversy. Several of Sheeran’s opening acts and band members have reportedly resigned from the tour in solidarity with Macklemore.
