British singer Ed Sheeran spoke in Philadelphia after US rapper Macklemore was removed from the remaining dates of his US tour for supporting Palestine. Speaking at his concert at Lincoln Financial Field, Sheeran said he had been forced to make difficult decisions over the past week.
Addressing the criticism directed at him, Sheeran said, "I make mistakes, and I am very, very sorry for that." The singer said he tried to stay away from politics and had never wanted to be an activist musician.
"What is happening in Gaza is a disaster"
Sheeran did not describe developments in Gaza as genocide, but said what was happening in the region was a "disaster." He said it could not be justified and was disproportionate, adding that the scale of the destruction and the deaths of civilians and children had deeply wounded him.
Sheeran also said the systematic injustice he described as taking place in the West Bank could not be ignored. He said the Macklemore controversy had placed him at the center of debates over freedom of expression and the world's most difficult political issue.
Macklemore removed from tour
Macklemore was removed from the remaining dates of Sheeran's US tour because of his outspoken support for Palestine. Following the decision, several artists who had performed as opening acts at Sheeran's concerts also announced that they were leaving the tour.
Macklemore's removal from the tour drew widespread criticism from social media users. Sheeran said the decision had made him concerned about the idea that concert venues should approve artists' stage content in advance.
The singer said he wanted his concerts to remain safe. Referring to the decision to oppose Macklemore's participation in the concerts at Gillette Stadium, he said the stadium's owner, Robert Kraft, provided financial support to various Jewish and pro-Israel organizations.
Sheeran said the events in Israel and those that took place at the Nova music festival on October 7 were horrific, adding that they had compounded the suffering experienced by Jews over centuries.
Macklemore continues to support Gaza
Grammy Award-winning rapper Macklemore has repeatedly expressed outspoken support for Palestine since Israel began its attacks on Gaza in 2023. The rapper recorded a song titled "Hind's Hall 2" with Palestinian artists in support of Gaza.
Proceeds from the song were transferred to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) to support Palestinian refugees.
