{
  "id": 8613203,
  "title": "#SHOWBIZ: Singer Ed Sheeran says Gaza situation 'unjustifiable' following controversy",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/20/showbiz-singer-ed-sheeran-says-gaza-situation-unjustifiable-following",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-20T04:30:49.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/lifestyle/groove/2026/09/1536805/showbiz-singer-ed-sheeran-says-gaza-situation-unjustifiable"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Philadelphia pop star Ed Sheeran expressed his shock at the Gaza situation on Saturday, calling it \"catastrophic and unjustifiable\" during his show following controversy surrounding his opening act. The controversy began when US rapper Macklemore made pro-Palestinian comments at a New Jersey concert, leading to the removal of Macklemore from the Loop Tour and the departure of four supporting acts. Sheeran, who had previously kept a neutral stance, broke his silence on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, stating that the actions taken by stadium owners and the systemic injustice in the West Bank were unacceptable. Four supporting acts withdrew from the tour, citing their support for Palestinians. Sheeran admitted to making difficult decisions and apologizing for any mistakes. As the controversy intensified, a pro-Palestinian group urged artists, fans, and crew members to boycott Sheeran's entire tour, including upcoming Latin American and European dates.",
  "summary": "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.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}