Ed Sheeran Calls Oct. 7 Attack 'Horrific,' Gaza Situation 'Unjustifiable'

Singer Ed Sheeran addressed the Israel-Hamas war for the first time publicly during a concert in Philadelphia, describing the October 7th Hamas attack as "horrific" and the situation in Gaza as "unjustifiable." This marks his first public statement on the conflict since its outbreak and follows the departure of rapper Macklemore from his tour.

Sheeran stated that he typically avoids political commentary but felt compelled to speak due to the humanitarian nature of the issue. He clarified that Macklemore's removal as an opening act was a production decision, not his own, in response to the rapper's controversial statements regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Macklemore's departure led to fan disappointment, with some citing that ticket prices no longer justified the show's quality, resulting in a price drop. The rift began when Macklemore expressed "Free Palestine" and dedicated a song to pro-Palestinian protesters at Columbia University. He later referred to Israeli actions in Gaza as "genocide."

The Israeli-American Council initiated a petition calling for Macklemore's removal from Sheeran's tour. Jewish pop star P!NK also criticized the situation on social media. Macklemore claimed on Instagram that media attention prompted stadium owner Robert Kraft, who is Jewish, to inform Sheeran that Macklemore would no longer be permitted to perform at his venue. This led to other stadiums canceling Sheeran's shows if Macklemore was to appear, ending his participation on September 14th.

Macklemore announced he would donate his entire net earnings from the tour, estimated at $1 million, to six pro-Palestinian organizations. His exit also prompted other opening acts, including the Irish band Lukas Graham and American singer Finneas, brother of Billie Eilish, to leave the tour.