Ed Sheeran calls Gaza situation ‘unjustifiable’ at Philadelphia concert
The singer addressed the controversy surrounding Macklemore’s removal from his tour, while reported protests and withdrawals disrupted the show.
Ed Sheeran has described the situation in Gaza as “catastrophic”, “unjustifiable” and “disproportionate” during a concert in Philadelphia, in his first reported public comments on the controversy surrounding his North America Loop Tour.
Sheeran made the remarks at Lincoln Financial Field on Saturday night as the tour resumed. His comments followed the reported removal of rapper Macklemore as an opening act after pro-Palestine remarks at a concert in New Jersey.
Sheeran has denied directing Macklemore’s removal and attributed the decision to the tour promoter. The move was followed by the reported withdrawal of all four supporting acts, who issued public statements citing support for Palestinians.
According to US media reports cited by Al Jazeera, the concert began two and a half hours late because there were no opening acts, with Sheeran performing solo. About 50 pro-Palestinian demonstrators also rallied outside the stadium before the show.
The controversy divided reactions around the concert. Some attendees told Reuters they supported both Sheeran and Macklemore and did not want the event to become political, while a demonstrator told the Associated Press that Sheeran’s handling of the dispute was itself a political choice.
