‘I'm so, so sorry’: Ed Sheeran addresses Gaza on stage after losing every opening act

What Happened

Ed Sheeran publicly apologised to fans at a Philadelphia concert at Lincoln Financial Field and called Israel's war on Gaza 'catastrophic and unjustifiable and disproportionate', after his Loop Tour lost all opening acts following the removal of rapper Macklemore. Macklemore said he was removed from upcoming tour dates, including 25 and 26 September shows at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, after stadium owner Robert Kraft threatened to cancel Sheeran's stadium concerts unless Macklemore was dropped, and lobbied other stadium owners. Sheeran said the removal was not his decision but the promoters' and venues'. Opening acts Finneas, Aaron Rowe, Beoga, and Lukas Graham withdrew in support of Macklemore and Palestinians. The Philadelphia concert start was delayed by two and a half hours, and Sheeran performed solo, according to US media reports. Pro-Palestinian protesters gathered outside the venue before the concert. Macklemore pledged to donate $1m from previous Loop Tour concerts to six organisations supporting Palestinians, and children's YouTube creator Ms Rachel said she would match the donation to the Palestine Children's Relief Fund.

Key Actors

Why It Matters

The incident shows how venue ownership and pro-Israel lobbying can influence cultural events and artistic speech during the Gaza conflict, with high-profile artists facing pressure over pro-Palestinian expression. The withdrawal of multiple opening acts and public donations reflect a broader international debate over the conflict and may shape public discourse and celebrity engagement.

Watch For

Sheeran's scheduled concerts at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts on 25 and 26 September will test whether the shows proceed without opening acts and whether protests continue. Macklemore's pledged $1m donation and Ms Rachel's matching pledge may inspire further celebrity contributions or statements. Watch whether other stadium owners join Kraft's pressure campaign and whether any further artists withdraw from the tour.