Ed Sheeran Says Gaza Devastation Has ‘Broken’ His Heart, Addresses Macklemore Controversy

PHILADELPHIA, Sep 20: Singer Ed Sheeran addressed the controversy surrounding rapper Macklemore’s removal from his remaining US tour dates, saying his “heart has been broken” by the devastation and civilian deaths in Gaza.

Speaking to the crowd before his performance at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia on Saturday, Sheeran said he had never wanted to be “an activist musician” but had been drawn into what he described as an important debate over freedom of speech and the war in Gaza.

Sheeran condemned the Hamas-led October 7, 2023, attack on Israel as “horrific” while describing Israel’s military campaign in Gaza as “catastrophic, unjustifiable and disproportionate.”

“My heart has been broken by the scale of devastation and loss of civilians’ lives, children’s lives,” Sheeran said, adding that what he described as “systemic injustice” in the West Bank could not be ignored.

He also apologized over decisions made during the controversy, saying he had faced difficult choices and acknowledged that he had made mistakes.

Macklemore was removed from Sheeran’s remaining US tour dates after making pro-Palestinian remarks during a performance at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey earlier this month.

Macklemore said he was removed following pressure from stadium owners. Robert Kraft, owner of Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts, said the rapper’s participation was canceled because of what he described as a history of “antisemitic rhetoric and imagery.”

Sheeran said he had spoken with venues throughout the week in an effort to “build a bridge” before Macklemore’s removal.

Pro-Palestinian demonstrators gathered near the Philadelphia venue ahead of Saturday’s concert, while fans expressed differing views over the controversy.

The Philadelphia Police Department said it was monitoring the event and would make “any necessary adjustments based on public safety needs.”

Sheeran told the audience that everyone was welcome at his concerts and said people with opposing views could still come together through music.

“My concerts have always been a safe space for everyone, and that matters hugely to me,” he said.