Ed Sheeran has apologised to fans for making “mistakes” as he addressed the Israel-Gaza conflict and the controversy surrounding Macklemore’s removal from his US tour.
Sheeran spoke at his first concert since Macklemore was dropped from the tour after making pro-Palestinian remarks on stage. The controversy has also led other support acts to leave the tour.
“I never wanted to be an activist musician, but this has put me in the middle of an important and passionate argument about free speech and the most complex political issue on the planet.”
Sheeran said he had faced criticism throughout his career but acknowledged that the latest controversy was different because it concerned a wider political and humanitarian issue.
“This week, the criticism was about something much more important, and I’ve had to take and make difficult decisions and I am making mistakes and I’m so, so sorry.”
The singer said he wanted to clarify his position on Israel and Palestine and stressed that performing the concert did not mean he supported one side of the conflict.
“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.”
He said he could no longer remain silent about the humanitarian situation.
“But this is a humanitarian issue, and I cannot hide how I feel about it anymore.”
Sheeran condemned the Hamas-led attacks of 7 October 2023 and described the situation in Gaza as unjustifiable.
“What happened in Israel on 7 October was horrific and compounded centuries of Jewish pain, and what was happening in Gaza was catastrophic and unjustifiable and disproportionate.”
He said he was deeply affected by the scale of civilian deaths and raised concerns about the situation in the West Bank.
“My heart has been broken by the scale 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.”
Sheeran said he was trying to find ways to help people affected by the conflict while acknowledging that he needed to learn more.
“I am working out how to contribute in a way that would help victims of these terrible times – and listening and learning, because I do not know enough.”
The singer became emotional as he told fans that his concerts should remain spaces where people with opposing views can be together.
“It’s still a place where everyone is welcome, and everyone here can stand beside people that have opposing views.”
Sheeran said the controversy had left him uncertain about the future of the tour and his career.
“I did not know whether this tour would be carrying on, and whether I even wanted to be an artist at all.”
He said he returned to the stage because of his commitment to his fans.
Sheeran also expressed concern about venues deciding in advance what performers or content could be presented.
“I am deeply worried by the idea that venues would ‘pre-approve’ content or performers.”
His comments came after Macklemore was removed from the tour following his performance of a song dedicated to pro-Palestinian protesters.
Macklemore referred to the death toll in Gaza as genocide, a description rejected by Israel, and said criticism of Israel was not intended as criticism of Jewish people.
Messina Touring Group said Macklemore was dropped because some venues, including Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts, would not host the concerts if he performed.
Robert Kraft, who owns the stadium and the New England Patriots, confirmed that Macklemore had been barred from performing at the venue during Sheeran’s shows.
Kraft, who is Jewish, accused Macklemore of hate speech and said the rapper was presenting selective information while ignoring Hamas’s actions.
Other support acts, including Irish singer-songwriter Aaron Rowe and Danish musician Lukas Graham and his backing band Beoga, also left the tour in solidarity with Macklemore.
The controversy has affected ticket demand for the remaining US shows, with some tickets reportedly selling for $32.
Some fans also reported receiving refunds, although Ticketmaster and Messina Touring Group did not confirm that refunds were being issued.
Protesters gathered outside Sheeran’s Philadelphia concert, with some waving Palestinian flags. The concert itself went ahead.
One protester, who identified himself as Cooper, said he attended to support Palestinians.
“We need more people like Macklemore and other artists who have a voice, who have a public platform, to be able to speak on behalf of the Palestinian people and their struggle for liberation, especially in the United States.”
Some fans who spoke to reporters said they appreciated Sheeran’s attempt to address both the conflict and the free-speech debate.
One described his remarks as covering “both sides nicely”, while another called the speech “very sincere.”
Sheeran’s remaining tour dates include shows across North and South America.
Erizia Rubyjeana
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