Ed Sheeran has addressed fans after he was thrust into the centre of an “important and passionate argument” regarding the “most complex political issue on the planet.”
As previously reported, the promoter for the British musician’s Loop Tour terminated Macklemore’s contract as a support act after he shouted “Free Palestine” while introducing ‘Hind’s Hall’—a protest song about the war in Gaza—during Sheeran’s September 5 concert at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
A statement posted to Sheeran’s social media channels on Wednesday clarified the decision was made entirely by the promoter.
“Macklemore coming off tour was the promoter’s decision, it was not mine. Macklemore’s contract for the tour was with the promoter, not me,” the statement read.
Following the incident, all of the 35-year-old artist’s remaining support acts pulled out in condemnation of the decision.
During a show in Philadelphia on Saturday, Sheeran apologised to fans for “making mistakes”.
Watch the video below.
“I’ve had to take and make difficult decisions and I am making mistakes and I’m so, so sorry,” he said.
Sheeran emphasised that he never intended to be an “activist musician,” stressing that his concerts should remain a “safe space for everyone” regardless of their political views.
“My concerts have always been a safe space for everyone and that matters hugely to me.”
He argued that venue management and promoters should not dictate the content presented at performances.
“This happens in so many places that I perform around the world but it should never happen in the free world,” he said.
The ‘Thinking Out Loud’ singer shared that he was deeply distressed by the events of October 7th 2023, particularly the attacks at the Nova music festival where 380 people were killed by Hamas terrorists. However, he also described Israel’s military response as “catastrophic,” “unjustifiable,” and “disproportionate.”
“My heart has been broken by the scale of devastation and loss of civilians’ lives, of children’s lives. The systemic injustice we’re seeing unfold in the West Bank cannot be overlooked,” he said.
Despite the withdrawal of his opening acts, Sheeran confirmed he will continue the tour as scheduled.
Image: Ed Sheeran / Instagram
