Piers Morgan has criticised Ed Sheeran for "bowing to the mob" following the singer's tearful apology at his Philadelphia concert. Sheeran addressed the controversy surrounding Macklemore's removal from his tour, which Macklemore claimed was due to his pro-Palestine comments.
Sheeran stated it was "the promoter’s decision" to remove Macklemore and that he would not be drawn into a public debate about the Gaza war. After all remaining support acts withdrew, Sheeran appeared to read from an autocue, apologising to fans and stating, "I’ve had to take and make difficult decisions, and I am making mistakes. I’m so, so sorry."
Morgan commented on X that Sheeran looked like "some bullied puppet" and that he wished Sheeran "hadn’t bowed to the mob and felt forced to say it publicly." Other commentators, including Richard Bacon and Jeremy Clarkson, also weighed in on the situation. During the show, Sheeran shared his personal views on the Gaza situation, expressing heartbreak over the devastation and loss of life.
The Philadelphia gig was pushed back due to support acts quitting, and pro-Palestine protesters were outside the venue. Saturday Night Live UK also mocked Sheeran in a sketch earlier on Saturday. Sheeran is next scheduled to perform on Saturday, 25 September, at Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts.