ISLAMABAD: British singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran has described the situation in Gaza as “catastrophic and unjustifiable,” breaking his silence on the conflict during his first concert since a controversy over rapper Macklemore’s removal from his tour.


Sheeran’s remarks came as the humanitarian crisis in Gaza continued, with Palestinian health authorities reporting more than 73,800 deaths since Israel launched its military aggression following the October 2023 attacks. Gaza health officials said Israeli attacks on Saturday killed at least four Palestinians, including a 10-year-old girl.


Speaking at Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field on Saturday, Sheeran said he was “deeply” affected by the scale of destruction and civilian deaths in Gaza.


“What is happening in Gaza is catastrophic and unjustifiable and disproportionate,” the 35-year-old singer said. “My heart has been broken by the scale of devastation and loss of civilians’ lives, children’s lives.”


He also said the “systemic injustice” unfolding in the occupied West Bank “cannot be overlooked.” Sheeran said he had not wanted to become an “activist musician,” but the controversy surrounding his tour had placed him in the middle of a wider debate over the conflict and freedom of expression.


Gaza comments follow Macklemore controversy

Sheeran’s comments came days after Macklemore was removed as an opening act on his Loop Tour following pro-Palestinian remarks during a concert in New Jersey earlier this month.


Macklemore had said “Free Palestine” during his September 5 performance, prompting controversy over his continued participation in the tour. Sheeran has maintained that he was not responsible for the rapper’s removal and said the decision was made by the tour promoter following pressure involving venues.


Several other supporting acts subsequently withdrew from Sheeran’s tour in solidarity with Macklemore, including Danish band Lukas Graham, Irish singer Aaron Rowe and Finneas, the brother and frequent collaborator of Billie Eilish.


Sheeran addressed the fallout directly from the Philadelphia stage, telling fans he had faced “difficult decisions” and acknowledged making mistakes.


“I’ve had to take and make difficult decisions, and I am making mistakes, and I am so, so sorry,” he said, according to local reporting.


Singer raises concerns over venue censorship

Sheeran also expressed concern about venues influencing what artists can say or perform, saying he was “deeply worried” about venues pre-approving the content of performances.


“This happens in so many places that I perform around the world, but it should never happen in the free world,” he said.


He said his concerts should remain spaces where people with opposing views can come together, describing the purpose of his music as centered on “love, hope, and unity.”


The remarks came as dozens of pro-Palestinian demonstrators gathered outside the Philadelphia stadium before the concert. Some protesters criticized Sheeran for what they viewed as his earlier reluctance to publicly address Gaza, while some concertgoers said they wanted the performance to remain focused on music.


Gaza war increasingly enters entertainment

The controversy surrounding Sheeran and Macklemore reflects the broader role the Gaza war has played in the global entertainment industry, where musicians, actors and filmmakers have increasingly faced pressure to comment on the conflict.


Macklemore has separately pledged $1 million toward Palestinian relief efforts, while the controversy has prompted debate over artistic expression, political speech and the responsibilities of major performers.


Saturday’s remarks marked a notable departure from Sheeran’s longstanding reluctance to publicly engage in political issues.


“I never wanted to be an activist musician,” he told the Philadelphia audience. “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.”