PHILADELPHIA: British pop star Ed Sheeran apologised Saturday for his handling of the controversy surrounding rapper Macklemore’s removal from his US tour.
Macklemore was dropped from the tour after making pro-Palestinian remarks during a concert in New Jersey. Sheeran addressed the issue before performing at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.
“I’ve had to take and make difficult decisions and I am making mistakes and I’m so, so sorry,” Sheeran told the audience.
The singer also spoke about the situation in Gaza, describing Israel’s military actions there as “catastrophic and unjustifiable and disproportionate.”
Sheeran said the Hamas attack in October 2023, which killed around 1,200 Israelis, was “horrific.” He also expressed concern over civilian deaths and displacement in Gaza.
He further criticised what he described as “systemic injustice” in the West Bank, where Israeli settlements have expanded.
Macklemore’s Removal Sparks Controversy
The controversy began after Macklemore said he was removed from Sheeran’s US tour following his “Free Palestine” remarks at a September concert at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Macklemore said venue owners had told Sheeran they would not host shows featuring him. New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft was among those linked to the dispute.
Sheeran initially said the decision to remove Macklemore came from the tour promoter rather than himself. He also said venue owners had made clear that Macklemore could not remain on the lineup at several upcoming shows.
Several other supporting acts later withdrew from Sheeran’s tour in solidarity with Macklemore. The departures included Finneas, Lukas Graham, Aaron Rowe and Beoga.
Earlier this week, Sheeran had said his concert audiences did not expect a political forum.
However, during Saturday’s Philadelphia performance, he said he was “deeply worried” about venues screening performers’ content.
“This happens in so many places that I perform around the world, but it should never happen in the free world,” Sheeran said.
Protesters Gather Near Philadelphia Venue
Dozens of pro-Palestinian protesters gathered near Lincoln Financial Field before Sheeran’s performance.
Organisers said they wanted to draw attention to conditions in Gaza and highlight local groups supporting Palestinians.
The controversy did not appear to dominate the experience for all concertgoers.
Joy VanRuler, a 55-year-old teacher from Pottstown, Pennsylvania, said she supported both Sheeran and Macklemore.
“It doesn’t need to be political,” she told Reuters outside the stadium. “It’s a
