PHILADELPHIA — Ed Sheeran addressed the controversy surrounding his Loop Tour at a solo performance in Philadelphia on Saturday, responding to fallout over rapper Macklemore's removal from the tour in September after he made pro-Palestinian remarks on stage.
Sheeran said he never wanted to be an activist musician and acknowledged the situation placed him in the middle of "an important and passionate argument about free speech and the most complex political issue on the planet."
He described the Hamas-led attacks on Oct. 7, 2023, as "horrific" and the situation in Gaza as "unjustifiable." He said the attacks "compounded centuries of Jewish pain" and that "what is happening in Gaza is catastrophic and unjustifiable and disproportionate."
"My heart has been broken by the scale of devastation and loss of civilian lives, of children's lives," he told the audience. He also said "this systemic injustice we're seeing unfold in the West Bank cannot be overlooked."
Sheeran said he is trying to determine how to contribute to helping victims and is "listening and learning, because I do not know enough."
He attributed the decision to remove Macklemore to his promoters, not himself, and emphasized that his concerts have always been a "safe space for everyone." He objected to the concept of venues preapproving performer content, a statement that drew applause.
The controversy led several artists to leave the tour. Ticket prices declined for the remaining U.S. dates, with some Philadelphia tickets observed at $32. Fans reported receiving refunds for affected shows, though Ticketmaster and concert promoter Messina Touring Group did not confirm the refunds.
