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British singer Ed Sheeran has issued his first extensive statement on the controversy surrounding his US tour. Addressing fans before a concert in Philadelphia on Saturday, he said he had “made mistakes” in the decisions he had taken and was “very, very sorry.”
Sheeran also addressed the situation in Gaza. He described Hamas’ attack on Israel in October 2023 as “horrific,” while calling Israel’s military operation in Gaza “tragic, unjustifiable and disproportionate.”
Sheeran: I have never wanted to be an activist musician
During the concert at Lincoln Financial Field, the singer said he did not intend to turn the event into a political gathering. “I don’t want to disappoint my fans, and I’ve never wanted to be an activist musician,” Sheeran said.
According to Sheeran, the controversy placed him at the center of an important debate over freedom of speech and one of the world’s most complex political issues. He also criticized the advance approval of performers’ content at concert venues.
The singer emphasized that it was important to him for his concerts to remain safe spaces where people with differing views could come together.
How did the controversy involving Macklemore begin?
The dispute concerns rapper Macklemore’s removal from the remaining US concerts on Sheeran’s “Loop” tour. Earlier this month, Macklemore chanted “Free Palestine” during a performance at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey and criticized Israel’s policies in Gaza and the West Bank.
The tour promoter later said venue owners had indicated that they would not allow concerts featuring Macklemore to take place. Sheeran said the decision had been made by the promoter, not by him personally.
Robert Kraft, owner of the New England Patriots and head of Gillette Stadium, where Sheeran is scheduled to perform later this month, linked the decision to bar Macklemore from the stage to the rapper’s “history of antisemitic rhetoric and imagery.” Macklemore has rejected accusations of antisemitism.
Other performers also leave the tour
The controversy was not limited to Sheeran and Macklemore. Several supporting acts withdrew from the project in solidarity with Macklemore. They included Beoga, Lukas Graham, Aaron Rowe and Finneas.
As a result, Sheeran continued his Philadelphia concert without an opening act. He appeared on stage with other musicians during parts of the performance.
Sheeran said he had spent the entire week trying to resolve the issue. He said he had held lengthy discussions with the venues, but the final decision was made by the venue owners and the tour promoter.
Statements on Gaza
Sheeran recalled that about 1,200 people were killed in the attack on Israel in October 2023 and described the event as “horrific.” At the same time, he expressed concern about the consequences of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza.
“The loss of civilian lives, children’s lives, and the scale of the destruction has broken my heart,” the singer said. He also described the expansion of Israeli settlements in the West Bank as “systemic injustice.”
Israel has previously rejected allegations of genocide before the International Court of Justice and said its actions constitute self-defense against Hamas.
Protest held before concert
A protest was also held outside the Philadelphia stadium. Pro-Palestinian demonstrators gathered to draw attention to the humanitarian situation in Gaza and support local Palestinian organizations.
Concertgoers had mixed reactions. Some fans said they wanted the event to be devoted solely to music, while others defended artists’ right to speak about political and humanitarian issues.
