The pop star has faced boycott calls after rapper Macklemore was removed from his tour after shouting ‘Free Palestine’ at a concert this month.
Ed Sheeran has opened a solo concert in Philadelphia with comments about Gaza, saying what’s happening is “catastrophic and unjustifiable”, in his first show since the his tour plunged into turmoil. Outside the stadium a small gathering of chanting protesters greeted concertgoers, waving Palestinian flags and chanting “Free, free Palestine”.
Sheeran’s US Loop Tour has been embroiled in crisis since the rapper Macklemore was removed as opening act on Monday, after the owners of stadiums hosting coming shows objected to his shouting “Free Palestine” on stage in New Jersey earlier this month. Sheeran has denied being behind the decision to remove Macklemore, instead blaming the tour promoter. Sheeran has been accused by critics of failing to stand up to the stadium owners – led by billionaire businessman Robert Kraft – and was targeted by boycott calls. Speaking on stage at the beginning of the concert on Saturday, he said:
“I’ve had to take and make difficult decisions, and I am making mistakes and I’m so, so sorry for them.I don’t want to disappoint fans, and I’ve never wanted to be an activist musician, but this has put me in the middle of an important and passionate argument about freedom of speech and the most complex political issue on the planet.”
He said the 7 October 2023 attacks on Israel were horrific and he considered what was happening in Gaza now to be “catastrophic and unjustifiable”. Before the show, a small group of pro-Palestinian demonstrators congregated outside the stadium. Hillary Steinberg of Philadelphia said she got tickets a year ago but refunded them to attend the demonstration instead, disappointed that Sheeran had not taken a stand.
Student Brandon Ateke also accused Sheeran of “complicity” with Kraft and others in silencing Macklemore. The backlash began after Macklemore performed “Hind’s Hall” at MetLife Stadium, showed Gaza imagery and declared “Free Palestine” during his opening set. Robert Kraft confirmed blocking Macklemore from Gillette Stadium, saying the rapper’s rhetoric and imagery were offensive to Jewish communities.
Macklemore later pledged his $1 million in Loop Tour earnings to Palestinian aid organizations and challenged Kraft to match the contribution. Finneas, Aaron Rowe, Lukas Graham and Beoga then withdrew from Sheeran’s tour, leaving Philadelphia without the announced supporting acts that had been scheduled.