British singer Ed Sheeran, speaking about the devastation and civilian deaths in Gaza, called the situation in the region a “disaster.” Sheeran performed at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia after U.S. rapper Macklemore, who was at the center of controversy over his remarks, was removed from the remaining dates of Sheeran’s U.S. tour.
Sheeran said he had been forced to make difficult decisions over the past week. Responding to criticism directed at him, he said, “I make mistakes and I am very, very sorry about that.” The singer said he tried to stay away from politics and had never wanted to be an activist musician.
Sheeran reacts to the devastation in Gaza
Sheeran did not describe the developments in Gaza as genocide, but said what was happening could not be justified and was disproportionate. He said the scale of the destruction, as well as the deaths of civilians and children, had wounded him deeply.
Sheeran said the systematic injustice he said was taking place in the West Bank could not be ignored. He added that the Macklemore controversy had placed him at the center of the world’s most difficult political debate over freedom of expression.
Macklemore’s removal from the tour
Macklemore was removed from the remaining dates of Sheeran’s U.S. tour because of his outspoken support for Palestine. Following the decision, several artists who had performed as opening acts at Sheeran’s concerts also announced that they were leaving the tour.
The decision drew widespread backlash on social media. Sheeran said he was concerned about the idea that concert venues should approve artists’ stage content in advance.
The singer said he wanted his concerts to remain safe and discussed his decision to oppose Macklemore’s participation in the concerts at Gillette Stadium. Sheeran said the stadium’s owner, Robert Kraft, provided financial support to various Jewish and pro-Israel organizations.
Sheeran said the events in Israel and what happened at the Nova music festival on October 7 were horrific. He said those events had compounded the suffering that Jews had endured for centuries.
Macklemore continues to support Palestine
Grammy-winning rapper Macklemore has repeatedly expressed outspoken support for Palestine since Israel began its attacks on Gaza in 2023. The rapper recorded a song titled “Hind’s Hall 2” with Palestinian artists in support of Gaza.
Proceeds from the song were donated to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) to support Palestinian refugees.
