Ed Sheeran Condemns Gaza
The singer addressed backlash over Macklemore and called Gaza catastrophic.
September 20, 2026 · Updated Sep 20, 3:20pm ET
The GuardianEd Sheeran says situation in Gaza ‘unjustifiable’ in first show since tour plunged into turmoil
NPREd Sheeran says situation in Gaza is 'catastrophic and unjustifiable' as he opens solo concert
Breitbart NewsEd Sheeran Addresses Macklemore Scandal: ‘Oct. 7 Was Horrific, Compounded Centuries of Jewish Pain. What Is Happening in Gaza Is Unjustifiable’
Boston GlobeEd Sheeran says situation in Gaza is 'catastrophic and unjustifiable' as he opens concert
NewsNationWatch: Ed Sheeran calls situation in Palestine ‘catastrophic and unjustifiable’
New York Post‘SNL UK’ viciously roasts Ed Sheeran fans after Macklemore fiasco
Mother JonesWhich side Is Ed Sheeran on?
CNBCEd Sheeran calls Israel's treatment of Gazans 'unjustifiable,' apologizes for Macklemore controversy
RedStateSigh: Ed Sheeran Caves to the Pressure From Left in New Statement About War in Gaza
MS NOWEd Sheeran says situation in Gaza is ‘catastrophic and unjustifiable’ as he opens concert
ForbesEd Sheeran Had To Change His Tour’s Production Over Fears For His Safety
Washington ExaminerEd Sheeran addresses Macklemore controversy in pre-concert speech
Rolling StoneInside the Fear, Anger, and Hope at Ed Sheeran's Philadelphia Concert
Just the NewsEd Sheeran addresses Gaza, Oct. 7 attacks at Philly concert after Macklemore dropped from tour
The Post MillennialEd Sheeran speaks out against ‘horrific’ Oct 7 massacre, ‘unjustifiable’ actions in Gaza in first appearance since Macklemore’s ouster
Epoch TimesEd Sheeran Apologizes for Macklemore Controversy as He Opens Concert
35%
Left · 6
24%
Center · 4
41%
Right · 7
Pano rates the coverage Balanced.
What happened
Ed Sheeran
Ed SheeranEnglish singer-songwriter (born 1991) opened his Philadelphia concert by addressing Macklemore
MacklemoreAmerican rapper (born 1983)’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
BeogaIrish folk band, Lukas Graham
Lukas GrahamDanish band, 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.
How the left told it
Left-leaning accounts cast Sheeran’s remarks as a humanitarian break from neutrality, stressing unity and civilian suffering over tour blame. The Guardian leaned into his language about Gaza being “unjustifiable,” treating the moment as moral rather than tactical. The Boston Globe framed the crisis around free speech and pro-Palestinian expression, while The Guardian lingered on a chastened effort to turn the page.
How the right told it
Right-leaning accounts treated Macklemore as the spark, focusing on backlash from his pro-Palestinian stance and earlier controversies. The New York Post emphasized that Macklemore “sparked outrage,” making the removal the result of provocation rather than simple censorship. Breitbart cast Sheeran as reluctant and pulled into a political fight, while RedState framed his statement as a cave to left pressure.
