Ed Sheeran admits ‘mistakes’ as he addresses Macklemore controversy at Philadelphia show

Singer Ed Sheeran opened his latest concert alone onstage and apologised to fans for making “mistakes” as he handled the fallout over rapper Macklemore being dropped from his tour over pro-Palestinian remarks.

“I never wanted to be an activist musician, but this has put me in the middle of an important and passionate argument about free speech and the most complex political issue on the planet,” he said during Saturday’s Philadelphia show.

He described the 7 October 2023 attacks as “horrific” and called the situation in Gaza “unjustifiable” in his first in-person remarks since the controversy erupted.

The concert was a stripped-down event, and Sheeran performed without opening acts.

Several artists left the tour and the price for tickets dropped and sales declined for the remaining US leg of his Loop Tour due to the controversy.

The singer has said the decision to drop Macklemore was made by his promoters, not him.

“My concerts have always been a safe space for everyone,” he said at the start of Saturday’s show, adding that he is committed to his fans and that is why he returned to the stage.

“Now, I want to address the question of where I stand in the situation in Israel and Palestine, and whether my doing this concert here tonight implies where I stand,” he said.

“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; about humanity, not politics. But this is a humanitarian issue, and I cannot hide how I feel about it anymore.”

Sheeran said what happened in Israel during the 7 October 2023 attacks was “horrific and compounded centuries of Jewish pain”.

He added: “What is happening in Gaza is catastrophic and unjustifiable and disproportionate. My heart has been broken by the scale of of devastation and loss of civilian lives, of children’s lives, and this systemic injustice we’re seeing unfold in the West Bank cannot be overlooked.”

He said he is trying “to work out how to make a contribution that helps victims of these terrible times and listening and learning, because I do not know enough”.

The singer said he took issue with the idea that venues would “preapprove” content or performers, which received applause from the audience.

Sheeran then closed his statement by saying that he hoped his concert could be a place where everyone could gather irrespective of their beliefs.

Sheeran’s remaining tour dates are scheduled with shows set throughout North and South America. While the mega-star’s previous tour was among the highest-grossing of all time, some ticket prices for this show dropped to $32 (£24).

Fans also reported being able to get ticket refunds, though Ticketmaster and concert promoter Messina Touring Group did not confirm they were being reimbursed.

At the Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia ahead of the show, there was a smattering of press cameras outside the entry gates, though most fans skipped talking to the press.

A few dozen protesters turned up outside the nearest tube stop waving flags as ticket holders streamed towards the stadium but the concert proceeded largely unfettered.

Of the handful of attendees who stopped to talk to the BBC, there was a sentiment of determination to enjoy an evening of music while at the same time supporting freedom of speech.

One married couple, who paid $450 per ticket, said that they respect Macklemore’s right to speak freely.

Another group of two ladies, who told us they got a “deal” for tonight’s concert after prices dropped, said that they support a free Palestine and at the same time love Sheeran’s music.

Finally, one family let their two young teenage daughters, Victoria, 15, and Sadie,13, be interviewed.

When we asked what they thought of the controversy and Macklemore’s removal, they replied “Who is Macklemore?”.

One protestor, who gave his name as Cooper, told the BBC that he came out “to support the struggle for” the Palestinian people.

“We need more people like Macklemore and other artists who have a voice, who have a public platform, to be able to speak on behalf of the Palestinian people and their struggle for liberation, especially in the United States,” he said.

Cooper said that a best-case scenario at the concert would be an apology from Sheeran, but he was not optimistic.

The controversy began in early September, when Macklemore performed a song dedicated to pro-Palestinian protestors, and referred to “genocide” in Gaza, a description Israel rejects. The rapper also said criticism of Israel was not intended as criticism of “my Jewish brothers and sisters”.

Messina Touring Group said Macklemore was dropped because some venues – such Gillette Stadium in Boston, Massachusetts – would refuse to let the concerts take place if he performed.

Billionaire Robert Kraft who owns Gillette Stadium and the American football team the New England Patriots, confirmed he had banned Macklemore from performing during the British singer’s forthcoming shows.

Kraft, who is Jewish, accused the US rapper of hate speech.

Sheeran had not commented about making a donation or other philanthropic plans until taking the stage on Saturday.