# Ed Sheeran apologizes after Gaza comments roil tour

> The singer addressed controversy sparked by opening act Macklemore's pro-Palestinian remarks, calling the Gaza situation unjustifiable.
- Title: Ed Sheeran apologizes after Gaza comments roil tour · ABC News
- Summary: The singer addressed controversy sparked by opening act Macklemore's pro-Palestinian remarks, calling the Gaza situation unjustifiable. Sheeran acknowledged…
- Keywords: ed sheeran, macklemore, gaza, israel-hamas war, pro-palestinian comments, tour controversy, free speech, concert venues, opening acts withdrawal, philadelphia, nova music festival, news
- Source: ABC News — https://abcnews.com/GMA/Culture/ed-sheeran-apologizes-making-mistakes-situation-gaza-unjustifiable/story?id=136593007
- Author: ABC News
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: ed sheeran, macklemore, gaza, israel-hamas war, pro-palestinian comments, tour controversy, free speech, concert venues, opening acts withdrawal, philadelphia, nova music festival, news
## Sheeran apologizes at Philadelphia show
Ed Sheeran told fans at Lincoln Financial Field he's been making mistakes this week and is sorry, after his tour was caught in a political firestorm.

> and I am making mistakes and I'm so, so sorry
## Macklemore dropped for Gaza comments
Opening act Macklemore was removed from the tour after saying 'Free Palestine' on stage at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, then posting the video online.

> Free Palestine. I said Free Palestine.
## Other opening acts withdraw in solidarity
After Macklemore's removal, the rest of Sheeran's opening acts announced they would also leave the tour in response to the decision.
## Venues threatened to cancel shows
Messina Touring Group, the tour promoter, said venues on upcoming dates told them they would not allow the concert if Macklemore remained on the lineup.

> they will not allow a concert to take place with Macklemore on the lineup
## Sheeran says promoter made the call
Sheeran clarified that dropping Macklemore was the promoter's decision, not his, since Macklemore's contract was with the promoter rather than directly with him.

> Macklemore coming off tour was the promoter's decision, it was not mine
## Sheeran addresses both sides of conflict
He called the October 7 Nova Music Festival massacre horrific and acknowledged centuries of Jewish pain, while calling Gaza's situation catastrophic and unjustifiable.

> What is happening in Gaza is catastrophic and unjustifiable and disproportionate
## Sheeran reluctantly enters politics
The singer said he's never wanted to be an activist musician but this situation put him in the middle of an important debate about free speech and a complex political issue.

> I've never wanted to be an activist musician, but this has put me in the middle of an important and passionate argument
## Key takeaway

Sheeran acknowledged making difficult decisions and mistakes while trying to balance free speech concerns with venue demands that led to dropping his opening acts.