Ed Sheeran calls Gaza situation 'catastrophic' after tour roiled by Macklemore removal

Ed Sheeran opened his concert in Philadelphia on Saturday with direct remarks on Gaza, calling the situation "catastrophic and unjustifiable" and acknowledging the scale of civilian casualties. The statement marked his first performance since his Loop Tour descended into controversy following the removal of rapper Macklemore as opening act on Monday. Macklemore had shouted "Free Palestine" during a September 5 show in New Jersey; the removal came after stadium owners, including New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, objected to his remarks.

Sheeran denied responsibility for dropping Macklemore, attributing the decision to the tour promoter and venue owners. He acknowledged the difficult position the situation had placed him in, saying: "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." He also stated he "spoke with the venues at length all week to try to build a bridge" before the decision was made.

The controversy prompted four supporting acts to withdraw in solidarity with Macklemore: Irish folk band Beoga, Danish band Lukas Graham, Irish singer Aaron Rowe, and Finneas (Billie Eilish's brother), who was scheduled to tour with Sheeran in South America later this year. Sheeran began Saturday's Philadelphia concert solo with no opener but was joined by other musicians later in the show.

Outside Lincoln Financial Field, a small group of pro-Palestinian demonstrators gathered, waving flags and chanting. Some former fans, including Hillary Steinberg who had purchased tickets a year prior, refunded their tickets to attend the protest instead, arguing that Sheeran's choice not to take a public stand constituted a political decision. Other attendees defended Sheeran, saying concerts should focus on music and unity rather than activism.

Macklemore announced Wednesday that he would donate $1 million to Palestinian relief efforts and called on Kraft to match the contribution. A spokesperson for Kraft stated that both Kraft and Sheeran had agreed to donate $2 million each, though the intended recipients were not specified. Sheeran's representatives declined to comment on the donation claims.