Ed Sheeran addressed the ongoing conflict between Israel and Gaza during his concert at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, offering expressions of sympathy for both Jewish and Palestinian communities. Speaking to an audience of approximately 50,000 on the first stop of his tour following recent controversies, Sheeran described the situation as a humanitarian crisis and urged understanding across all perspectives.

In remarks delivered before his performance, Sheeran described the October 7 attack in Israel, which took place at a music festival, as “horrific” and said it exacerbated “centuries of Jewish pain.” He also characterized the situation in Gaza as “catastrophic and unjustifiable and disproportionate,” signaling concern about the scale of violence and suffering on both sides. Sheeran emphasized that he had avoided political commentary in his career to focus on unity and humanity but felt compelled to speak out given the gravity of the current conflict.

The artist acknowledged that he is actively consulting with people representing a range of views to better understand the complex dynamics involved and to explore ways to support victims affected by the violence. “I do not know enough,” he said, underscoring his ongoing effort to listen and learn.

Sheeran’s statements come in the wake of controversy surrounding rapper Macklemore, who was removed from Sheeran’s tour following his pro-Palestinian remarks and the display of graphic images from the Gaza war during his opening set in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Robert Kraft, owner of Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts, where Sheeran was scheduled to perform subsequently, publicly opposed Macklemore’s presence, prompting threats from other venues to cancel shows unless the rapper was dropped. After Macklemore’s departure, several other support acts and members of Sheeran’s touring band withdrew in protest.

Without naming Kraft or any venue operators, Sheeran criticized the practice of pre-approving performers’ content, saying, “This happens in so many places I perform around the world, but it should never happen in the free world.” Representatives for Kraft and the Israeli-American Council, which led a boycott campaign against Macklemore, did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Toward the end of the concert, Sheeran shared a personal reflection on the difficult week leading up to the show. He said he was uncertain whether the tour would continue and questioned his future as a performing artist amid the backlash. Sheeran expressed gratitude to the audience for their support, noting that their presence gave him encouragement despite pressure to cancel. He acknowledged the risks and uncertainties involved in going on stage but said he had “felt so much love” from the crowd throughout the evening.