Ed Sheeran — in his first performance since Macklemore was dumped from his tour following his viral “free Palestine” speech — choked up in his remarks to concertgoers, saying “what is happening in Gaza is catastrophic and unjustifiable.”
During his solo performance at Lincoln Financial Field on Saturday, Sheeran — who was left without opening acts and a backing band after they dropped out of the tour in support of Macklemore — addressed the crowd at the outset of his concert.
“I want to address the question of where I stand in the situation in Israel and Palestine and whether my doing this concert here tonight implies where I’m standing,” Sheeran said (via video obtained by Variety). “I have tried in my career not to be a political commentator of any kind, because I want my music and shows to be about unity, not division, about humanity, not politics. But this is a humanitarian issue and I can’t hide how I feel about it anymore. What happened in Israel and at the Nova Music Festival on October 7th was horrific and compounded centuries of Jewish pain. What is happening in Gaza is catastrophic and unjustifiable and disproportionate. My heart has been broken by the scale of devastation and loss of civilians’ lives. Children’s lives. And the systemic injustice we’re seeing unfold in the West Bank cannot be overlooked.”
The audience cheered the singer — who choked up during his remarks.
Sheeran added, “I am already speaking to people across the spectrum to work out how to make the contribution that helps victims of these terrible times, and listening and learning, because I do not know enough. I honestly am so grateful people are here, starting with me. This concert is still a place where everyone is welcome and everyone here can stand beside people that have opposing views and everyone can stand by people that they don’t agree with on everything that they can all agree on singing these songs. And these songs are about love, hope and unity.”
In a statement earlier in the week, Sheeran insisted it was the venues who were responsible for forcing the tour promoter’s hand in dumping him.
“Macklemore coming off the tour was the promoter’s decision, it was not mine,” Sheeran said. He added, “After Macklemore’s performances at my New Jersey shows, venues on my upcoming tour dates communicated that they would pull the shows if he was still supporting.”
On Saturday, Sheeran said he made “mistakes” in his handling of the situation.
“I’m used to my music being criticized, and I’m always happy to take that because I’m lucky,” Sheeran said (via multiple reports). “A lot of you like my stuff, and to be honest, I’m surprised. I’m not surprised that I’ve even done it. You know, it’s normal. 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 added he is, “deeply worried about the idea that venues should pre-approve content with performers.”
Sheeran indicated he will continue on with his tour because he wants to honor his commitment to his fans.
Watch above, via Variety.
The post Ed Sheeran Chokes Up While Calling Israel’s Actions in Gaza ‘Unjustifiable’ in First Concert Since Macklemore Was Dumped from His Tour first appeared on Mediaite.