# Ed Sheeran breaks silence on Macklemore controversy

> The British singer addresses the fallout after his opening act was dropped for pro-Palestinian comments.
- Title: Ed Sheeran breaks silence on Macklemore controversy · BBC News
- Summary: The British singer addresses the fallout after his opening act was dropped for pro-Palestinian comments. Ed Sheeran publicly acknowledged a humanitarian…
- Keywords: ed sheeran, macklemore, philadelphia, pro-palestinian, concert boycott, humanitarian issue, live music, news, world, Sheeran, breaks, silence
- Source: BBC News — https://bbc.co.uk/news/videos/ck980m0pr1e0o
- Published: 2026-09-20T05:01:47.356+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: ed sheeran, macklemore, philadelphia, pro-palestinian, concert boycott, humanitarian issue, live music, news, world
## Macklemore dropped for Palestine remarks
Ed Sheeran's opening act was removed from the Philadelphia show this month after making pro-Palestinian comments on stage.
## Protesters gather outside stadium
Pro-Palestinian demonstrators gathered near the venue to show solidarity with Macklemore and his stance.
## Band and openers boycott the show
Sheeran's backing band and opening acts refused to perform, leaving him alone on stage to face the crowd.
## Sheeran admits he made mistakes
The British singer told fans he had tried to stay apolitical but acknowledged this is a humanitarian issue he can no longer ignore.

> I cannot hide how I feel about it anymore.
## Breaking his silence on unity
Sheeran said he wants his music to be about unity, not division, but felt compelled to speak out on the humanitarian crisis.

> I have tried in my career not to be a political commentator of any kind, because I want my music and shows to be about unity, not division.
## Key takeaway

Ed Sheeran publicly acknowledged a humanitarian crisis and his own mistakes after his band and opening acts boycotted his Philadelphia show over Macklemore's removal.