Key facts
- Ed Sheeran called Israel's war on Gaza "catastrophic and unjustifiable and disproportionate."
- Pro-Palestinian protesters demonstrated outside Sheeran's Philadelphia concert.
- Macklemore was removed from Sheeran's tour for pro-Palestinian speeches.
- Sheeran stated that stadium owners refused to let Macklemore perform.
- Sheeran's opening acts and band quit the tour in solidarity with Macklemore.
Singer Ed Sheeran described Israel's war on Gaza as "catastrophic and unjustifiable and disproportionate" during a concert in Philadelphia. His remarks followed controversy over fellow artist Macklemore's removal from Sheeran's US tour after Macklemore made pro-Palestine speeches on stage, including his anthem "Hind's Hall." Sheeran stated that stadium owners, including Robert Kraft of Gillette Stadium, refused to let Macklemore perform, leading to his decision to drop the rapper. In solidarity with Macklemore and the Palestinian people, Sheeran's opening acts, including Finneas, withdrew from the tour. Pro-Palestinian protesters gathered outside the venue, criticizing Sheeran for continuing the tour and carrying banners with messages such as "Zionism=racism=terrorism."
Macklemore announced his removal from the tour via social media, citing an ultimatum from Kraft. American Israeli lobby groups had previously launched a petition to pressure Sheeran to drop Macklemore. Macklemore stated he would donate $1 million earned from previous tour dates to organizations supporting Palestinians, a pledge matched by children's YouTube creator Ms Rachel.