British pop star Ed Sheeran [Getty Images]
British pop star Ed Sheeran [Getty Images]

British pop star Ed Sheeran publicly criticized Israel's military operations in Gaza during his world tour performance Saturday (local time).

Sheeran broke his silence after facing a wave of criticism over his handling of a controversy involving a supporting act who was removed from the tour following pro-Palestinian remarks.

Speaking at a performance in Philadelphia, Sheeran said, "What is happening in Gaza is catastrophic, unjustifiable and disproportionate beyond measure."

"I am heartbroken by the scale of destruction and the loss of civilian lives, particularly children," he said. "The structural injustice taking place in the West Bank — another area of Israeli military operations — cannot be overlooked either."

Sheeran appeared visibly emotional as he told the crowd, "This week has been the hardest of my life."

"I had to make difficult decisions, and I made mistakes along the way. I am really, really sorry," he said, adding that he had feared the audience might throw things at him.

The controversy began Sept. 4, when rapper Macklemore, a supporting act on Sheeran's North America tour, shouted "Free Palestine" during a performance.

Stadium owners in the United States where tour dates were scheduled pushed back. Gillette Stadium owner Robert Kraft threatened to cancel Sheeran's show unless Macklemore was removed from the lineup.

Macklemore's departure from the tour was announced Tuesday, prompting other supporting acts to declare a boycott of the performances.

Ticket resales had reportedly increased ahead of the shows, but the Philadelphia venue was nearly sold out that night, AFP reported.


mss@heraldcorp.com