Ed Sheeran calls Gaza situation ‘unjustifiable’ after Palestine controversy

The British singer addresses fans at his concert in Philadelphia as his US Loop Tour resumes.British pop star Ed Sheeran has made his first comments on the controversy that plunged his North America Loop Tour into turmoil, saying that the situation in Gaza is “catastrophic”, “unjustifiable” and “disproportionate”.Sheeran made the remarks as he opened his show at the Lincoln Financial Field stadium in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where his tour resumed on Saturday night.Recommended Stories list of 3 itemslist 1 of 3Who is Robert Kraft, pro-Israel billionaire who cancelled Macklemore?list 2 of 3Ed Sheeran blames US tour promoter for dropping Macklemorelist 3 of 3Which artists have pulled out of Ed Sheeran’s tour over Palestine?end of listThe pop singer has faced a wave of criticism after his opening act, American rapper Macklemore, was dropped from the lineup over his pro-Palestine comments at a concert in New Jersey earlier this month.Macklemore’s comments drew backlash from owners of stadiums hosting Sheeran’s future tour dates. Sheeran has denied being behind the decision, blaming the tour promoter.Recording artist Macklemore, left, and Ed Sheeran [File: AP]According to US media reports, the start time for the concert was pushed back two and a half hours because there were no opening acts and Sheeran performed solo.All of Sheeran’s four supporting acts, including American singer Billie Eilish’s brother and musical collaborator, Finneas, walked out on Sheeran, issuing public statements citing their support for Palestinians.Finneas and his sister have been outspoken about their support for Palestine before.“Artists must not be silenced when they speak up for the oppressed,” he said on Instagram last Tuesday, adding: “I stand with Palestine and its people.”Pro-Palestinian protesters gather near Lincoln Financial Field, the venue of pop star Ed Sheeran’s concert, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on September 19, 2026 [Eduardo Munoz/Reuters]A group of about 50 pro-Palestinian demonstrators rallied outside the stadium before the show on Saturday, waving Palestinian flags and chanting “Free, free Palestine.”