Ed Sheeran calls situation in Gaza ‘unjustifiable’ in first concert since Macklemore controversy

PHILADELPHIA — Ed Sheeran said at his concert Saturday that the Oct. 7 attacks on Israel were “horrific” but that what is happening to civilians in Gaza is “catastrophic and unjustifiable and disproportionate.” He made the comments to the packed crowd during the opening of his concert at Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field, the first since since artist Macklemore was controversially removed from Sheeran’s “Loop” tour over his pro-Palestinian advocacy. “This is a humanitarian issue and I cannot hide how I feel about it anymore,” Sheeran said. The comments followed a week of turmoil for the artist, including protests outside the venue ahead of Saturday’s show. Macklemore, who had originally been scheduled to open the show, said he was dropped after he made pro-Palestinian remarks during the opening of Sheeran’s tour at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey this week.