Ed Sheeran Calls Oct. 7 "Horrific," Gaza Situation "Unjustified"

Singer Ed Sheeran addressed the Israeli-Palestinian conflict publicly for the first time since the war began, describing the October 7th Hamas attack as "horrific" and the situation in Gaza as "unjustified" during a concert in Philadelphia. This marked his first performance since rapper Macklemore was removed from his tour lineup following controversial statements about the conflict.

Sheeran stated he tried not to be a political commentator but felt compelled to speak on the humanitarian issue. He clarified that Macklemore's removal was a production decision, not his own, in response to the rapper's remarks, which included "Free Palestine" and calling Israeli actions in Gaza "genocide."

Macklemore's departure led to fan disappointment over ticket prices and quality, causing ticket costs to decrease. The controversy escalated when the Israeli-American Council launched a petition calling for Macklemore's removal. Pop star P!NK also criticized the situation on social media.

Macklemore claimed on Instagram that media attention prompted stadium owner Robert Kraft to inform Sheeran that Macklemore would no longer be allowed to perform. This led to other venues canceling Sheeran's shows if Macklemore was included, ending his participation in the tour on September 14th. Macklemore announced he would donate his approximately $1 million in net profits from the tour to six pro-Palestinian organizations.

Macklemore's exit also prompted several opening acts, including the Irish band Lukas Graham and American singer Finneas, brother of Billie Eilish, to leave Sheeran's tour.