From Billboard · Associated Press & Billboard Staff · · 50s
Ed Sheeran Calls Gaza Crisis 'Catastrophic'
Sheeran condemns Gaza conflict as 'catastrophic' at Philly concert amid tour chaos.
In brief
Sheeran condemns Gaza conflict as 'catastrophic' at Philly concert amid tour chaos. Ed Sheeran called Gaza situation 'catastrophic and unjustifiable' after tour acts withdrew in solidarity with pro-Palestinian Macklemore. Originally reported by Billboard.
Ed Sheeran's Philadelphia Show
Sheeran performed solo at philadelphia concert on sept 19.
Gaza Crisis Statement
Sheeran called gaza situation 'catastrophic and unjustifiable'.
“what happened in israel and at the nova music festival on october seventh was horrific and compounded centuries of jewish pain. what is happening in gaza is catastrophic and unjustifiable, and disproportionate”
Tour Controversy
Macklemore dropped after pro-palestinian comments at new jersey show.
Supporting Acts Withdraw
Sheeran's backing acts quit after his gaza statement.
Fan Reactions
Some fans criticized sheeran for not taking political stance.
“i was until this week a big ed sheeran fan i think all art is political and all music is political and so this choice even though he was saying that he wasn't complicit is a political choice”
Financial Impact
Sheeran's tour grossed over seven million dollars per city.
Next Steps
Sheeran and macklemore to donate two million dollars each for palestine relief.
The short version
Ed Sheeran called Gaza situation 'catastrophic and unjustifiable' after tour acts withdrew in solidarity with pro-Palestinian Macklemore.
