Ed Sheeran returns to stage amid tour controversy: ‘I cannot hide how I feel about Israel-Gaza anymore’
Ed Sheeran addressed the continuing conflict in Gaza during his return to the stage on Saturday night, after a week of controversy surrounding his Loop tour in North America. The British singer appeared tearful on stage in Philadelphia, stating that what happened in Israel at the Nova music festival on October 7 was horrific and compounded centuries of Jewish pain, while adding that what is happening in Gaza is catastrophic, unjustifiable, and disproportionate. He noted that his heart has been broken by the scale of devastation and loss of civilian and children's lives, and that the systemic injustice unfolding in the West Bank cannot be overlooked. The remarks followed the fallout from his Loop tour, which began when opening act Macklemore was removed from the lineup after delivering an onstage speech supporting Palestinians in Gaza. Macklemore stated he was removed due to pressure from Gillette Stadium owner Robert Kraft, though Sheeran later claimed on Instagram that removing Macklemore was the promoter's decision. Following the controversy, supporting acts Finneas, Aaron Rowe, Beoga, and Lukas Graham all withdrew from the tour in solidarity, with artists stating that they could not stand by while powerful figures attempted to silence voices speaking out against violence. Dozens of pro-Palestinian demonstrators gathered outside Lincoln Financial Field on Saturday to protest Macklemore's removal. On stage, Sheeran emphasized that while his concerts remain a safe space for everyone, he is deeply worried about venues pre-approving performers' content, stating it should never happen in the free world. Macklemore subsequently pledged a $1 million donation to Palestinian causes and challenged Kraft to match it. Kraft later responded that Sheeran had contacted him earlier to commit $2 million to aid the region and fight the humanitarian crisis, with plans to reach out to other venue owners to continue building bridges.