Ed Sheeran opened a concert in Philadelphia with comments about Gaza, saying what’s happening is “catastrophic and unjustifiable.” He said in the Saturday night performance at Lincoln Financial Field that he wants his music and shows to be about unity and humanity, not politics. But he added he has found himself in the middle of a debate about free speech and a complex political issue. 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.

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Gustavo Dudamel takes the podium for his first concert as music director of the New York Philharmonic at Radio City Music Hall on Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026 (AP Photo/Ron Blum)