20 September,2026 10:40 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Ed Sheeran (Pic/X)
Ed Sheeran resumed his tour amid a growing controversy over supporting act Macklemore's departure after his pro-Palestinian comments. Addressing the situation, Sheeran spoke about the Israel-Gaza conflict, saying he could no longer hide how he felt while stressing the importance of continuing his commitment to fans.
He started the concert by addressing, "Before I play some songs tonight, I hope it's okay if I say a few words about this last week. I'm used to my music being criticized, and I'm always happy to take that because I'm lucky. A lot of you like my stuff, and to be honest, I'm surprised. But this week, the criticism was about something much more important, and I've had to take and make difficult decisions, and I am making mistakes, and I'm so, so sorry.
He broke down in tears and added, "I don't want to disappoint fans, and 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."
As per BBC, the singer also said, "My concerts have always been a safe space for everyone," and explained why he continued the tour after Macklemore's departure. "Honouring my commitment to my fans is also completely essential to who I am, and that is why I'm here tonight on my own and continuing my current tour," he said.
Sheeran, who had previously described the Israel-Palestine conflict as a "human tragedy", spoke more directly about the issue during Saturday's performance. "This is a humanitarian issue, and I cannot hide how I feel about it anymore. What happened in Israel and at the Nova Music Festival on October 7 was horrific and compounded centuries of Jewish pain. What is happening in Gaza is catastrophic and unjustifiable, and disproportionate."
He continued, "Our hearts can be broken by the scale of devastation and loss of civilians' lives, children's lives, and the systemic injustice we are seeing unfold in the West Bank cannot be overlooked."
Sheeran also said he was speaking with people across different perspectives and seeking ways to help those affected.
The show comes after a tumultuous week that opened with Macklemore being dropped in response to exclaiming "Free Palestine" during a September 5 show in New Jersey. Sheeran has said he was not responsible for the decision, which came at the urging of New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft.
Macklemore then confirmed he is donating USD 1 million to support Palestinian relief efforts and called on Kraft to match the gift. A spokesperson for Kraft has said the billionaire and Sheeran have each agreed to donate USD 2 million but have not specified where the money will be directed.
