Ed Sheeran told fans in Philadelphia that he had made “mistakes” as he addressed the dispute surrounding rapper Macklemore’s removal from his tour and spoke publicly about Israel and Gaza.
Opening his first concert since the controversy emerged, Sheeran said he had not intended to become an activist musician but had been drawn into an intense debate over free speech and a deeply divisive political issue. He said uncertainty surrounding the fallout had made him question whether the tour would continue and whether he wanted to remain an artist.
Sheeran said he returned to the stage because of his commitment to fans, describing his concerts as spaces intended to welcome everyone. He said he had generally avoided political commentary because he wanted his music to promote unity, but added that the situation was a humanitarian matter.
The singer described the Hamas-led attacks of 7 October 2023 as horrific and said they had compounded longstanding Jewish pain. He also called the situation in Gaza catastrophic, unjustifiable and disproportionate, citing the scale of destruction and civilian deaths, including children. He said he was listening and learning while trying to determine how he could help people affected by the conflict.
He also criticised the idea of venues approving performers or material in advance, a remark that was applauded by the audience. Sheeran said he hoped people with opposing views could still gather at his concerts.
Tour fallout
The dispute began earlier in September when Macklemore performed a song for pro-Palestinian protesters and used the term “genocide” in relation to Gaza, a characterisation Israel rejects. He also said criticism of Israel was not criticism of his Jewish “brothers and sisters”.
Concert promoter Messina Touring Group said Macklemore was removed because some venues would not allow shows to go ahead if he performed. Robert Kraft, owner of Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts, said he had barred Macklemore from appearing at Sheeran’s upcoming concerts there, accusing the rapper of hate speech and of presenting selective information while ignoring Hamas’s actions.
Sheeran has said the decision to remove Macklemore was made by promoters rather than by him. Several support acts, including Aaron Rowe, Lukas Graham and Beoga, subsequently left the tour in solidarity with Macklemore, arguing that the decision could have a chilling effect on free speech.
The controversy has coincided with lower ticket prices and weaker sales for the remaining US dates, according to the report. Some tickets for the Philadelphia show were available for $32, while some fans said they had been able to obtain refunds, though Ticketmaster and Messina Touring Group did not confirm reimbursement arrangements. A small protest took place outside the venue, but the concert went ahead.
Source: BBC News
