Ed Sheeran Condemns Gaza

Ed Sheeran opened his Philadelphia concert by addressing Macklemore’s removal from his tour and condemning civilian suffering in Gaza. The dispute began after Macklemore was dropped as Sheeran’s opener following pro-Palestinian remarks at a New Jersey show, including “Free Palestine.” After that decision, supporting acts Beoga, Lukas Graham, Aaron Rowe and Finneas quit in solidarity. Sheeran told the crowd the Oct. 7 Hamas attack was horrific, but called Gaza catastrophic, unjustifiable and disproportionate. He said the removal was not his decision and cited promoter and venue pressure, while Macklemore has said Robert Kraft and other stadium owners pushed to bar him. The tour continues without clear replacements after its first post-removal show.