Pop star Ed Sheeran admitted to making "mistakes" and called the situation in Gaza "catastrophic" during his concert in Philadelphia, following the removal of opening act Macklemore over pro-Palestine remarks.
Key points
- All of Sheeran's supporting acts pulled out of his tour after rapper Macklemore was cancelled following stage remarks calling to "liberate Palestine".
- Pro-Palestinian protesters and the Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel rallied outside Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field.
- Sheeran opened his show alone without an opening act, later thanking five musicians who agreed to perform with him on short notice.
Why it matters
The controversy highlights the growing friction and pressures faced by mainstream artists when dealing with political commentary regarding the Israel-Hamas conflict during live tours.
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