Ed Sheeran became emotional as he addressed the controversy surrounding his Loop Tour during his first concert since Macklemore was removed from the U.S. leg and several other supporting acts withdrew.

The singer, 35, spoke to the crowd at Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field on Sept. 19, acknowledging the difficult decisions he has faced in recent days and apologizing to fans.

“I’ve had to take and make difficult decisions and I am making mistakes and I’m so, so sorry,” Sheeran said.

He explained that he had never wanted to be an “activist musician,” but the situation had placed him in the middle of a broader debate involving freedom of speech and the Israel-Palestine conflict.

Sheeran Addresses the Situation in Gaza

During his emotional remarks, Sheeran described the Oct. 7 attack in Israel and the situation in Gaza, saying he was deeply affected by the loss of civilian lives.

“This is a humanitarian issue, and I can’t hide how I feel about it anymore,” he told the audience.

Sheeran said the devastation in Gaza had deeply affected him and also expressed concern about the situation in the West Bank. He added that he had been speaking with people with different perspectives in an effort to understand how he could contribute to helping people affected by the conflict.

“I do not know enough,” he said, emphasizing that he was still listening and learning.

The singer also raised concerns about venues having the ability to approve or restrict performers’ content, saying he was “deeply worried” about that practice.

Despite the controversy surrounding the tour, Sheeran told the Philadelphia audience that his concerts should remain spaces where people with different opinions can come together.

“This concert is still a place where everyone is welcome,” he said, adding that fans could disagree on many issues while still sharing the experience of singing the songs together.

Why Macklemore Was Removed From the Tour

The controversy began after Macklemore made pro-Palestinian remarks during his performance at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium on Sept. 4.

Macklemore was subsequently removed from the remaining U.S. dates of Sheeran’s Loop Tour. Concert promoter Messina Touring Group said venues had raised concerns about his participation.

Sheeran later clarified that Macklemore’s contract was with the promoter rather than with him personally, and said the decision to remove the rapper was not his.

According to Sheeran, venues had indicated that upcoming shows could be canceled if Macklemore remained on the bill. Sheeran said he spoke with venues, promoters and people on different sides of the issue in an attempt to find a solution, but ultimately the decision stood.

Robert Kraft, whose Kraft Group owns Gillette Stadium, separately defended the decision, saying he did not want the venue to provide a platform for what he described as hate speech. Kraft also cited concerns about what he characterized as antisemitic rhetoric and imagery associated with Macklemore.

Macklemore disputed the circumstances surrounding his removal and said he and Sheeran had several difficult conversations about the situation. He maintained that their friendship did not change his commitment to speaking about what he believes is happening to Palestinians.

Other Artists Also Leave the Tour

The fallout continued when several of Sheeran’s other support acts withdrew from the remaining U.S. dates.

Finneas, Lukas Graham and Aaron Rowe, along with Irish folk group Beoga, all announced their departures following Macklemore’s removal. Some cited concerns about artistic expression and their support for Palestinians.

As a result, Sheeran began his Philadelphia concert without an opening act. He initially performed alone with an acoustic guitar before other musicians joined him later in the show.

The show also drew demonstrations outside Lincoln Financial Field, where pro-Palestinian protesters gathered ahead of the concert.

Macklemore Pledges His Tour Earnings to Aid Groups

Macklemore has continued to speak publicly about the controversy since leaving the tour.

On Sept. 16, he announced plans to donate the $1 million he earned from the tour to organizations supporting Palestinians. He named six groups that he said were working directly to provide assistance, including the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund, HEAL Palestine, Gaza Soup Kitchen, Medical Aid for Palestinians, UNRWA USA National Committee and Anera.

He also challenged Kraft to match the donation.

Kraft later said Sheeran had asked him to match a $2 million humanitarian donation to support efforts in the region.

For Sheeran, however, the Philadelphia concert ultimately became an attempt to separate his music from the controversy while acknowledging the humanitarian concerns that had drawn him into it.

“I’ve never wanted to be an activist musician,” he told the audience, but said he could no longer hide how deeply the situation had affected him.

As his Loop Tour continues, Sheeran is now performing without several of the artists who had originally been part of the U.S. lineup, while the debate over the intersection of music, free expression and political speech continues.

Source: Compiled from various sources.