Singer Ed Sheeran says Gaza situation 'unjustifiable' following controversy
PHILADELPHIA: Pop star Ed Sheeran said Saturday the situation in Gaza is “unjustifiable,” following a wave of criticism that he had failed to back his opening act who was booted from the tour after making pro-Palestinian comments. The singer, who had previously maintained an apolitical stance, broke his silence on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in his first show since the controversy involving…
Singer Ed Sheeran expressed his outrage over the Gaza situation during his Philadelphia concert on Saturday, following a controversy that saw one of his opening acts removed from his tour for making pro-Palestinian comments. Sheeran, who had previously kept a neutral stance, broke his silence on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict at his first show since the Macklemore incident.
In his emotional speech, Sheeran condemned the situation in Gaza as "catastrophic and unjustifiable and disproportionate," noting the "systemic injustice" in the West Bank. He took responsibility for his difficult decisions, apologizing to his audience who cheered his remarks. Sheeran admitted that this week had been the "hardest of his life," and thanked them for their support, calling it the "best night" of his life.
The controversy began when US rapper Macklemore shouted "Free Palestine" at a New Jersey concert this month, leading to stadium owners, led by billionaire Robert Kraft, pulling the support for the tour. Four other supporting acts subsequently left the show, citing their support for Palestinians. Sheeran denied having a hand in the decision to remove Macklemore, blaming the tour promoter instead.
The stadium was near capacity for the show, but the controversy had led to a rise in ticket resales and a drop in prices. Protesters outside Lincoln Financial Field rallied peacefully, waving Palestinian flags and chanting "Free, Free Palestine." Some ticket holders hesitated about attending due to the controversy but ultimately decided to enjoy the music.
However, others, like 18-year-old Brown University student Brandon Ateke, decided to attend the protest instead of the concert, expressing their dissatisfaction with Sheeran's actions.
Following the show, Sheeran performed solo on stage and later brought on five musicians he had learned his songs in just three days, thanking them for joining him "in a week when no one wants to stand on stage with me." Four acts quit the tour, including Sheeran's backing band and Finneas, the younger brother of pop superstar Billie Eilish. Since Israel's invasion of Gaza in October 2023, the death toll has exceeded 73,800 people, according to Gaza health officials.
Written by urgent.news from Business Recorder's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
