Ed Sheeran Calls October 7 Horrific and Gaza Situation Unjustifiable

Ed Sheeran opened his Philadelphia concert with a speech addressing the controversy over Macklemore's removal from his tour. He called the Hamas-led October 7 attack horrific, said it compounded centuries of Jewish pain, and described the situation in Gaza as catastrophic, unjustifiable and disproportionate. Sheeran apologized for mistakes and difficult decisions made during the controversy, while expressing concern about venues preapproving performers' content. He said concerts should remain places where people with opposing views can stand together. The show proceeded without the expected opening acts after other performers withdrew.