Ed Sheeran Expresses Sympathy for Jews and Palestinians Amid Tour Fallout

Ed Sheeran expressed sympathy for centuries of Jewish pain and called what is happening in Gaza catastrophic and unjustifiable at a Philadelphia concert on September 19, 2026.

This was his first tour stop since Macklemore was dropped from the bill. Macklemore was removed after declaring "Free Palestine!" and displaying Gaza war imagery during his opening performance for Sheeran in East Rutherford, New Jersey, earlier in September. Robert Kraft, owner of Gillette Stadium, stated Macklemore would not be allowed to perform there, and other stadiums threatened to cancel Sheeran's shows unless Macklemore was removed.

Following Macklemore's removal, Sheeran's other support acts and touring band withdrew in solidarity. Sheeran performed largely solo before approximately 50,000 people at Lincoln Financial Field. He stated his career aim is not to be a political commentator, preferring his music and shows to focus on unity and humanity. Sheeran described the situation as a humanitarian issue, saying he could no longer hide his feelings.

He called the October 7 events at a music festival in Israel horrific and said they compounded centuries of Jewish pain. Sheeran also expressed deep worry about venues pre-approving performer content, asserting it should not happen in the free world. He is speaking to people across the spectrum to contribute to victims and is listening and learning.

Charlotte Church stated Ed Sheeran chose capitalism over what’s right. Washington Examiner columnist Joe Concha said Sheeran should have stuck to performing songs. Protesters plan to gather outside Sheeran's concert at Gillette Stadium this coming Saturday. Sheeran admitted to making mistakes and said he is so, so sorry. He stated he never wanted to be an activist musician.

Macklemore was dropped from Sheeran's Loop Tour on September 14. Nadiya Hussain shared a video accusing Sheeran of shedding white tears and making himself the victim after he broke down on stage.