Sheeran addresses Gaza controversy at Philadelphia concert

Ed Sheeran opened his Philadelphia concert Saturday by calling the Oct. 7 attacks on Israel “horrific” and describing the suffering of civilians in Gaza as “catastrophic and unjustifiable,” speaking publicly after a week of turmoil over Macklemore’s removal from his tour.

“My heart has been broken by the scale of devastation and loss of civilians’ lives, of children’s lives,” Sheeran told the crowd at Lincoln Financial Field, where he performed a one-man show after several supporting acts withdrew. “This is a humanitarian issue and I cannot hide how I feel about it anymore.”

The concert was Sheeran’s first since Macklemore said he was dropped from the “Loop” tour after making pro-Palestinian remarks, including saying “Free Palestine,” during a Sept. 5 show at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Macklemore had been scheduled to open for Sheeran in Philadelphia and at other U.S. dates.

Sheeran said the past week forced difficult decisions, “some of which ended in mistakes.” He added, “I am so, so sorry.”

“I’ve never wanted to be an activist musician,” Sheeran said, “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.” He said he was concerned about the idea that venues could “pre-approve content” for artists, but would continue the tour because of his commitment to fans.

Macklemore has alleged that New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, whose company owns Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, organized a boycott among stadium owners that led to his removal. Kraft, a supporter of Israel and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, did not deny the allegation in a statement cited by NBC News, but said the decision was not intended to stifle Palestinian advocacy or diminish Palestinian suffering. He said it was meant to ensure a “welcoming environment” at Gillette Stadium, where Sheeran’s tour was scheduled to play Friday.

CBS News reported that Kraft has said Macklemore’s comments went too far and that the rapper would not be welcome at Gillette Stadium. Sheeran has said he was not responsible for the decision and that Messina Touring Group, the tour promoter, made the final call because it held Macklemore’s contract. Messina told Rolling Stone it had been informed multiple venues “will not allow a concert to take place with Macklemore on the lineup.”

The fallout spread quickly. Aaron Rowe, Lukas Graham and Finneas withdrew from upcoming tour dates in protest of Macklemore’s removal. Beoga, Sheeran’s house band, also left the tour. Fans were notified Friday that Saturday’s show would begin at 8 p.m. instead of 5:30 p.m.

Outside Lincoln Financial Field, about 50 pro-Palestinian protesters gathered near Broad and Pattison streets before the concert, chanting “Free, free Palestine” and holding flags and signs. Police had said officers, including members of the Civil Affairs Division, would monitor protests.

Robert Boucher, 73, a retired surgeon from Philadelphia, said he attended to support free speech. “The action that’s been taken by the stadium owners and folks who oppose Macklemore and what he represents and the comments that he’s made, that’s really an unjustifiable attempt to squelch free speech,” he said.

Gwen Myrick, 51, of West Philadelphia, said she supported Macklemore. “Because that is how a movement is born — standing up for the people who are brave enough to stand up,” she said.

Some fans said they came only for Sheeran and were not troubled by the lack of opening acts. Others said the controversy complicated their plans. “The fans always suffer is what ends up happening,” Leigh Berton of Chalfont told CBS News Philadelphia.

Macklemore has pledged to donate $1 million, which he said represented all net earnings from Sheeran’s tour, to six organizations supporting Palestinians. Kraft later pledged $2 million toward causes supporting people affected by the war in Gaza, matching a similar donation made by Sheeran, according to NBC News. Sheeran said Saturday he had spoken to “people across the spectrum to work out how to make a contribution that helps victims of these terrible times.”