Ed Sheeran Addresses Gaza Stance at Philadelphia Show

Views 11 Published by September 20, 2026

Ed Sheeran spoke publicly for the first time about the Israel-Gaza conflict at his Philadelphia concert on September 19, 2026, following backlash over Macklemore's removal from his Loop Tour.

Ed Sheeran took the stage in Philadelphia on Saturday night for his first show since rapper Macklemore was removed from his stadium tour following an onstage speech supporting Palestinians. Sheeran addressed the controversy at the top of his set, saying the week’s criticism had put him “in the middle of an important and passionate argument about freedom of speech and the most complex political issue on the planet.”

“My concerts have always been a safe space for everyone, and that matters hugely to me,” Sheeran said. “I don’t want to disappoint fans, and I’ve never wanted to be an activist musician, but this has put me in the middle of this.”

Sheeran then addressed his stance on Israel and Palestine directly. He said the October 7 attack at the Supernova Music Festival “was horrific and compounded centuries of Jewish pain,” and described the situation in Gaza as “catastrophic, unjustifiable, and disproportionate.” He added that he is “already speaking to people across the spectrum to work out how to make a contribution that helps victims of these terrible times.”

Earlier in the week, Sheeran said the decision to remove Macklemore was not his own, pointing to promoter Messina Touring Group and pressure from venues. He said he was worried about the idea of venues pre-approving performer content, calling it a threat to free speech.

Following Macklemore’s exit, opening acts Finneas, Lukas Graham, and Aaron Row withdrew from the tour in solidarity. Macklemore pledged to donate $1 million to Palestinian support groups, while Gillette Stadium owner Robert Kraft announced a $2 million commitment to humanitarian aid in the region.