Ed Sheeran calls Gaza situation ‘unjustifiable’ after Macklemore exit furore

Ed Sheeran opened a solo concert in Philadelphia on Saturday with comments about Gaza, saying what is happening is “catastrophic and unjustifiable”.

“My heart has been broken by the scale of devastation and loss of civilians’ lives, of children’s lives,” Sheeran said in the night at Lincoln Financial Field.

Sheeran also said he wants his music and shows to be about unity and humanity, not politics.

He then addressed the controversy that unfolded since his supporting acts withdrew in solidarity with opener Macklemore, who was dropped from the tour after making pro-Palestinian comments onstage.