# Ed Sheeran Opens Concert With Gaza Comments

> Ed Sheeran calls Gaza situation 'catastrophic and unjustifiable' after tour turmoil.
- Title: Ed Sheeran Opens Concert With Gaza Comments · Seattletimes
- Summary: Ed Sheeran calls Gaza situation 'catastrophic and unjustifiable' after tour turmoil. Ed Sheeran described Gaza as 'catastrophic and unjustifiable' during a…
- Keywords: ed sheeran, gaza, macklemore, seattle, philadelphia, loop tour, pollstar, free palestine, concert tour, political comments, united states, concert venue
- Source: Seattletimes — https://seattletimes.com/entertainment/ed-sheeran-is-set-to-return-to-stage-for-1st-time-since-macklemore-was-cut-and-other-acts-withdrew
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: ed sheeran, gaza, macklemore, seattle, philadelphia, loop tour, pollstar, free palestine, concert tour, political comments, united states, concert venue
## Ed Sheeran opens concert
Ed Sheeran began Saturday's Philadelphia concert alone after controversy over tour and supporting acts withdrawing in solidarity with Macklemore.
## Gaza comments
Sheeran called the Gaza situation 'catastrophic and unjustifiable' after the Oct. 7 attacks, saying he wants music about unity not politics.

> catastrophic and unjustifiable
## Macklemore dropped
Macklemore was dropped after saying 'Free Palestine' during a Sept. 5 show in New Jersey, with New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft urging the decision.

> Free Palestine
## Supporting acts withdraw
Sheeran's supporting acts withdrew within hours of his statement, including Beoga, Lukas Graham, and Aaron Rowe.
## Fan reactions
Some fans criticized Sheeran for not taking a stand on Gaza, while others defended his choice to keep concerts political-free.
## Donations and promises
Macklemore pledged $1 million for Palestinian relief, urging Robert Kraft to match the gift, with both agreeing to donate $2 million.

> $1 million
## Sheeran's stance
Sheeran insists he spoke with venues to build bridges before dropping Macklemore and says he won't abandon fans or crew.
## Key takeaway

Ed Sheeran described Gaza as 'catastrophic and unjustifiable' during a Philadelphia concert following controversy over his tour and supporting acts withdrawing in solidarity with Macklemore.