Ed Sheeran Breaks Silence on Macklemore Controversy at Philadelphia Concert

During his first performance since rapper Macklemore was dropped from the Loop Tour, Ed Sheeran addressed the surrounding controversy and the conflict in Gaza from the stage at Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field on Saturday night.

Opening the show, Sheeran acknowledged the difficult week that saw Macklemore removed from the U.S. leg of the tour following the rapper’s pro-Palestinian remarks at MetLife Stadium.

“Before I play some songs tonight, I hope it’s okay if I say a few words about this last week,” Sheeran told the crowd. He admitted to facing criticism, noting, “I’m used to my music being criticized… But this week, the criticism was about something much more important.” He added that he is “so so sorry” for any mistakes made during the process.

Sheeran explained that while he has never intended to be an “activist musician,” the situation forced him into a debate on free speech and complex geopolitics. “My concerts have always been a safe space for everyone, and that matters hugely to me,” he said, affirming his commitment to continuing the tour solo.

The controversy began after Macklemore performed his 2024 protest song “Hind’s Hall” and told the crowd at the Sept. 4 and 5 New Jersey shows to “free Palestine.” The Israeli-American Council and other pro-Israel groups called for the rapper’s removal, leading Messina Touring Group to announce Macklemore would no longer appear on remaining dates. The promoter cited venue threats to cancel shows if Macklemore performed, which would have affected hundreds of thousands of ticket holders.

While Sheeran previously stated that the decision was made by the promoter rather than himself, he expressed alarm at the precedent of venues pre-approving content. “This happens in so many places that I perform around the world, but it should never happen in the free world,” he said earlier this week.

On Saturday, Sheeran expanded on his views regarding the Israel-Palestine conflict. “I have tried in my career not to be a political commentator of any kind, because I want my music and shows to be about unity, not division,” he said. “But this is a humanitarian issue, and I cannot hide how I feel about it anymore.”

He described the events of Oct. 7 in Israel as “horrific,” stating they compounded centuries of Jewish pain. He then turned to Gaza, declaring, “What is happening in Gaza is catastrophic and unjustifiable, and disproportionate.” He emphasized that the systemic injustice unfolding in the West Bank “cannot be overlooked.”

Sheeran confirmed he is already speaking with individuals across various perspectives to determine how best to aid victims. “Listening and learning because I do not know enough,” he noted.

Macklemore responded to his ouster in a lengthy statement, revealing he had held “difficult conversations” with Sheeran. While respecting the singer personally, the rapper challenged Sheeran’s history of neutrality and stated he did not regret using the platform to support Palestinians. He also announced a pledge to donate $1 million to Palestinian relief organizations.

The fallout extended beyond Macklemore. Supporting acts Aaron Rowe, Lukas Graham, and Finneas, along with folk group Beoga, all withdrew from the tour, citing the rapper’s removal. Despite the turmoil, the Philadelphia concert proceeded as scheduled, marking the start of the next stretch of Sheeran’s U.S. stadium run.