Ed Sheeran Tells Concertgoers What Happened In Israel and At The Nova Music Festival On October 7th “Was Horrific and Compounded Centuries of Jewish Pain”

Ed Sheeran spoke openly about the issue to his audience, addressing the tour controversy after Macklemore, the opening act, was canceled for his support of Palestine. The artist expressed concern about venues pre-checking artists’ stage comments.

“This is not usually how I would open the show, but before I play some songs tonight, I hope it’s okay if I say a few words about this last week,” Sheeran started.

The singer said he is accustomed to criticism of his music.

“I’m used to my music being criticized, and I’m always happy to take that because I’m lucky,” Sheeran said. “A lot of you like my stuff, and I’m not surprised that other people don’t; you know, it’s normal.”

However, this case was special.

“But this week the criticism was about something much more important, and I’ve had to take and make difficult decisions,” Sheeran continued. “And I am making mistakes, and I’m so, so sorry.”

He admitted that he did not intend to make any statement.

“I don’t want to disappoint fans, and I’ve never wanted to be an activist musician,” he said. “But this has put me in the middle of an important and passionate argument about freedom of speech and the most complex political issue on the planet.”

Then Sheeran said his shows are open to everyone.

“My concerts have always been a safe space for everyone, and that matters hugely to me,” Sheeran said. “Honoring my commitment to my fans is also completely central to who I am. And that is why I’m here tonight on my own and continuing my current tour.”

The singer also expressed his concerns about the venues pre-checking performers’ statements.

“But I am, I am deeply worried about the idea that venues should preapprove content of performers,” Sheeran said. “This happens in so many places that I perform around the world, but it should never happen in the free world.”

Finally, the singer wanted to talk about his position concerning the Israel-Palestine conflict.

“Now I want to address the question of where I stand in the situation in Israel and Palestine, and whether my doing this concert here tonight implies where I stand,” he said.

He reminded the audience that he has never been a political person.

“I have tried in my career not to be a political commentator of any kind, because I want my music and shows to be about unity, not division, about humanity, not politics,” Sheeran said. “But this is a humanitarian issue, and I cannot hide how I feel about it anymore.”

Then he turned to the October 7 events in Israel and the Nova Music Festival.

“What happened in Israel and at the Nova Music Festival on Oct. 7 was horrific and compounded centuries of Jewish pain,” he said. “What is happening in Gaza is catastrophic and unjustifiable and disproportionate.”

The loss of life has affected him greatly.

“My heart has been broken by the scale of devastation and loss of civilians’ lives, of children’s lives,” Sheeran said. “And the systemic injustice we’re seeing unfold in the West Bank cannot be overlooked.”

At the end of the speech, he thanked his fans and said the concert is a place for people with different opinions.

“I honestly am so grateful that you’re here tonight with me,” Sheeran said. “This concert is still a place where everyone is welcome. And everyone here can stand beside people that have opposing views. And everyone here can stand by people that they don’t agree with on everything. But they can all agree on singing these songs. And these songs are about love, hope and unity.”

Watch Ed Sheeran’s full speech below!

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