Ed Sheeran condemns Gaza situation during Philadelphia concert amid tour controversy

Ed Sheeran opened his solo concert at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia by describing the situation in Gaza as "catastrophic and unjustifiable" and saying the Oct. 7 attacks in Israel were horrific. He said he wants his shows to focus on unity and humanity rather than politics, but acknowledged that the issue has placed him in a debate over freedom of speech.

The comments came after rapper Macklemore, originally scheduled as the U.S. opener, was removed from the tour following his "Free Palestine" chant at a September 5 show in New Jersey. Sheeran said the decision was made by the tour promoter at the urging of stadium owner Robert Kraft, not by him personally.

Within hours of Sheeran’s statement, several supporting acts—including Danish band Lukas Graham, Irish singer Aaron Rowe, and Finneas—withdrawn from the tour. A small group of pro-Palestinian demonstrators gathered outside the stadium, with some fans expressing disappointment that Sheeran did not take a stronger political stance, while others argued that concerts should remain free of politics.

Macklemore announced a $1 million donation to Palestinian relief efforts and urged Kraft to match it; a Kraft spokesperson said both Kraft and Sheeran have pledged $2 million each, though the recipients have not been disclosed. Sheeran’s representatives did not comment.

Sheeran, whose Loop Tour is the highest-grossing worldwide, reiterated that his concerts are meant for music lovers of all viewpoints, emphasizing themes of love, hope and unity. He also voiced concern about venues pre-approving performances, saying such practices should not occur in the free world.