Singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran expressed sympathy for Palestinians caught up in the ongoing conflict with Israel.
Speaking from the stage in Philadelphia during his US Loop Tour, the British singer said, “My heart has been broken by the scale of devastation and loss of civilians’ lives, of children’s lives.”
Ed’s comments came amid widespread criticism after stadium owners dropped rapper Macklemore from the tour over his pro-Palestinian remarks on stage.
The decision prompted other guest artists to pull out of Ed’s shows in protest, while fans criticized the “Shape of You” singer for remaining silent despite the growing backlash.
Ed had previously distanced himself from the issue, saying the decision to drop Macklemore “was the promoter’s decision” and not his.
However, the growing uproar and fallout became difficult for Ed to ignore, forcing him to address the issue on stage in front of the audience.
“I’ve had to make difficult decisions, and I am making mistakes, and I’m so, so sorry for them," said Ed.
"I don’t want to disappoint fans, and I’ve never wanted to be an activist musician, but this has put me in the middle of an important and passionate argument about freedom of speech and the most complex political issue on the planet."
Read: Ed Sheeran tour rocked by withdrawals after "Free Palestine" issue
ED SHEERAN: "THIS IS A HUMANITARIAN ISSUE"
Ed said he sees his shows as a place where everyone is welcome and that keeping his commitment to fans is his priority, which is why he has decided to continue the tour despite the controversy.
“But I am deeply worried about the idea that venues should pre-approve content for performance. This happens in so many places that I perform around the world, but it should never happen in the free world," he remarked.
Ed continued: “Now, I want to address the question of where I stand in the situation in Israel and Palestine, and whether my doing this concert here tonight implies where I stand.
"I have tried in my career not to be a political commentator of any kind because I want my music and shows to be about unity, not division—about humanity, not politics.
"But this is a humanitarian issue, and I cannot hide how I feel about it anymore.
“What happened in Israel at the Nova music festival on October 7th was horrific and compounded centuries of Jewish pain.
"What is happening in Gaza is catastrophic, unjustifiable, and disproportionate.
"My heart has been broken by the scale of devastation and loss of civilians’ lives, of children’s lives, and the systemic injustice we’re seeing unfold in the West Bank cannot be overlooked.
“I am already speaking to people across the spectrum to work out how to make a contribution that helps victims of these terrible times, and listening and learning because I do not know enough.
“I honestly am so grateful that you’re here tonight with me."
Ed reiterated that everyone is welcome at his shows, regardless of their political views.
"Everyone here can stand by people that they don’t agree with on everything, and they can all agree on singing these songs.
"And these songs are about love, hope, and unity.”
Read: Hits and sing-alongs: Ed Sheeran electrifies in Manila performance