Ed Sheeran says ‘heart has been broken’ over devastation in the Middle East during Philadelphia concert

During a recent concert in Philadelphia, Ed Sheeran addressed both the ongoing controversy surrounding rapper Macklemore's removal from his tour and his profound heartbreak over the devastation in the Middle East. Sheeran opened his solo performance on September 19, 2026, by describing the situation in Gaza as "catastrophic and unjustifiable," expressing deep sadness over the loss of civilian and children's lives. He stressed his desire for his music and shows to foster unity and humanity, rather than political division.

The "Macklemore row" erupted after Macklemore, an opening act, was dropped from Sheeran's "Loop Tour" earlier in September for making pro-Palestinian statements during his New Jersey sets, including shouting "Free Palestine." Sheeran stated via Instagram on September 15, 2026, that the decision to remove Macklemore was made by the tour's promoters and venue owners, not by him, and that he had attempted to mediate a resolution. Following Macklemore's dismissal, several other supporting acts, along with Sheeran's backing band, withdrew from the tour in solidarity.

Amidst these developments, Macklemore announced a pledge to donate $1 million of his tour earnings to Palestinian organizations. The Philadelphia concert, Sheeran's first since the controversy, saw protests by pro-Palestinian groups outside the venue.