Ed Sheeran has publicly addressed the controversy surrounding Macklemore’s removal from his US tour, apologising to fans and speaking about the Israel-Gaza conflict during an emotional appearance in Philadelphia.

Sheeran addressed the issue on Saturday, September 19, at Lincoln Financial Field during his first concert since Macklemore was removed from the remaining US dates of his Loop Tour following the rapper’s pro-Palestinian remarks. Speaking to the crowd, Sheeran said he had previously been reluctant to become involved in political activism but felt the controversy had placed him at the centre of a debate over freedom of expression.

“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 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. Honoring my commitment to my fans is also completely essential to who I am, and that is why I’m here tonight on my own and continuing my current tour,” Sheeran said. He also apologised over how the controversy had unfolded, telling fans he was “so, so sorry” and acknowledging that he had made mistakes while dealing with the situation.

Addressing the wider conflict, Sheeran condemned the Hamas-led October 7, 2023 attack on Israel as “horrific” and described the subsequent situation in Gaza as “catastrophic and unjustifiable and disproportionate.” “My heart has been broken by the scale of devastation and loss of civilian lives, of children’s lives,” he said. Sheeran also expressed concern about what he described as “systemic injustice” in the West Bank.

Macklemore was removed from the remaining US dates of Sheeran’s tour after making pro-Palestinian remarks, including saying “Free Palestine,” during an earlier performance at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Macklemore has alleged that New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, whose company owns Gillette Stadium, objected to his appearance and played a significant role in pressure from venues that ultimately led to his removal.

Kraft has defended his opposition to Macklemore’s participation, citing what he described as the rapper’s history of “antisemitic rhetoric and imagery.” Sheeran has said the final decision to remove Macklemore was not his, explaining that the rapper’s agreement was with the tour promoter and that several stadium operators had objected to his continued participation.

Other supporting acts subsequently withdrew from the tour in solidarity with Macklemore, leaving Sheeran without an opening act for the Philadelphia concert. Sheeran said he had spent the week speaking with venues in an effort to resolve the dispute and also voiced concern about venues seeking advance approval over what performers can say on stage.

Before Saturday’s concert, pro-Palestinian demonstrators gathered outside Lincoln Financial Field. The Philadelphia Police Department said ahead of the event that it was monitoring the situation and would make adjustments based on public safety needs.

The controversy also prompted some ticket holders to seek refunds, while others continued to attend the concert despite the dispute. Sheeran told the Philadelphia audience that he wanted his concerts to remain places where people with opposing views could come together, maintaining that his music is intended to promote love, hope and unity.