“I am making mistakes”: Ed Sheeran breaks silence on Macklemore tour fallout

International

“I AM making mistakes - and I’m so, so sorry.”

Ed Sheeran opened his first show since Macklemore’s removal from his tour with an apology, as he addressed the controversy over free speech, Israel and Gaza.

Speaking to the Philadelphia crowd, Sheeran said he had been drawn into a debate he never intended to enter, describing it as an important argument about free speech and one of the world’s most complex political issues.

“I never wanted to be an activist musician, but this has put me in the middle of an important and passionate argument about free speech and the most complex political issue on the planet,” Sheeran said, as quoted by the BBC.

He described the Hamas-led attacks on Israel on 7 October 2023 as horrific and said the situation in Gaza was unjustifiable. He also said the civilian death toll, including children, had deeply affected him, while drawing attention to the situation in the West Bank.

Sheeran said he had generally avoided political commentary because he wanted his music to promote unity, but viewed the conflict as a humanitarian issue. He said he was trying to determine how he could help people affected by the violence while listening and learning.

The singer became emotional as he told fans his concerts should remain spaces where people with opposing views could stand together. He also said the controversy had left him uncertain about whether the tour would continue and whether he wanted to remain an artist, but that he returned because of his commitment to his fans.

Sheeran has said Macklemore’s removal was a decision made by promoters, rather than by him. Messina Touring Group said the rapper was dropped because some venues would not host the shows if he performed.

The dispute began in early September after Macklemore performed a song dedicated to pro-Palestinian protesters and referred to the death toll in Gaza as a genocide, a characterization Israel rejects. He also said his criticism of Israel was not aimed at Jewish people.

Robert Kraft, owner of Gillette Stadium and the New England Patriots, confirmed Macklemore had been banned from performing at the stadium and accused him of hate speech.

Several support acts, including Aaron Rowe, Lukas Graham and Beoga, subsequently withdrew from Sheeran’s tour, saying the decision raised concerns about free speech.

Protesters gathered outside the Philadelphia venue, while the concert itself proceeded largely without disruption. One protester, Cooper, said he attended “to support the struggle for” the Palestinian people.

Ticket prices for the Philadelphia show had fallen as low as $32 (£24), while some fans reported receiving refunds. Ticketmaster and Messina Touring Group did not confirm that refunds were being issued.(MyTVCebu)