Singer Ed Sheeran took the stage at Lincoln Financial Field on September 20, 2026, to address the controversy surrounding his tour. He admitted he made mistakes while removing rapper Macklemore from upcoming shows after venue owners demanded his departure. Sheeran stated that the situation in Gaza is catastrophic and unjustifiable during his speech to the crowd.
Ed Sheeran addresses the controversy surrounding Macklemore’s removal from his tour and says, “What is happening in Gaza is catastrophic and unjustifiable.”
“Before I play some songs tonight, I hope it’s okay if I say a few words about this last week,” Sheeran said at the top of… pic.twitter.com/ZhtujolkKK
— Variety (@Variety) September 20, 2026
The rapper was dropped from the Loop tour after comments he made at MetLife Stadium on September 4. Jewish groups called for his removal following his remarks about the occupied West Bank and past costume controversies. Sheeran said he spoke with venue owners, including Robert Kraft, but noted that “the venue’s and promoter’s decision was final.” Four acts, including Aaron Rowe and Lukas Graham, withdrew from the tour citing Macklemore’s removal.
Sheeran began by telling the audience, “Before I play some songs tonight, I hope it’s okay if I say a few words about this last week,” explaining that he avoids political commentary so his music remains focused on unity, according to RedState. He further noted, “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” Despite this, he said he could no longer hide his feelings about the conflict, according to the Washington Examiner.
A weak man. https://t.co/iD6wcd79Jr
— Wajahat Ali (@WajahatAli) September 20, 2026
Characterizing the October 7 attacks in Israel as horrific, he said they compounded centuries of Jewish pain. Sheeran said, “What is happening in Gaza is catastrophic and unjustifiable,” while also calling the situation disproportionate. He expressed apologies to parents and children present during the first part of his performance regarding the controversy mentioned. “I do apologize for the first part of the show,” he said to the audience in Philadelphia.
Is he reading from a teleprompter to both sides a genocide? https://t.co/rhTdH8zo0z
— AIPAC Tracker (@TrackAIPAC) September 20, 2026
Macklemore responded on social media on Monday, stating his pro-Palestinian views were “conflated with hatred of the Jewish people.” He acknowledged that Sheeran’s apolitical stance was being challenged in a new way. While Macklemore also contended that “there is no neutral position between the oppressor and the oppressed,” Sheeran noted he is now engaging with people across the spectrum to assist victims of the crisis.
