Charlotte Church has publicly criticized Ed Sheeran for his handling of the controversy surrounding Macklemore's removal from Sheeran's Loop tour, accusing him of choosing «consumerism and capitalism over doing the right thing.» The remarks came during Church's End Times Pop Dungeon concert at the Depot in Cardiff on Sunday, September 22, just before she performed a cover of the Dead Kennedys' «California Über Alles.»
Macklemore was dropped from the tour after delivering an impassioned «Free Palestine» speech during his support slots at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, where he also performed his protest track «Hind's Hall» alongside footage from Gaza. The decision followed calls for his removal from figures including Pink and the Israeli American Council. Sheeran has maintained that the final decision was made by promoter Messina Touring Group after several venues objected to Macklemore's appearance. The move prompted artists including FINNEAS, Lukas Graham, Aaron Rowe, and Beoga to withdraw from the tour, and Sheeran's backing musicians also pulled out.
Addressing the crowd, Church said: «Whilst he has made millions and has an enormous following, he has an enormous platform to do real good in the world. He chose consumerism and capitalism over doing the right thing.» She continued: «So we say the same thing to Ed Sheeran because fuck the fact that musicians shouldn't be involved in politics. Fuck that shit. Politics is life.» She then added, «Ed Sheeran we're watching you,» before leading the crowd in a «Free Palestine» chant.
Church has been a vocal supporter of Gaza, having previously led a pro-Palestinian chant at a charity event in 2024 for the Middle East Children's Alliance. She faced backlash for leading a choir in the chant «from the river to the sea,» a phrase some groups, including the Campaign Against Antisemitism, consider a call for Israel's destruction. Church later clarified on Instagram that she is «in no way anti-Semitic» and is «fighting for the liberation of all people,» adding that her family had been threatened over her support for Gaza.
The controversy escalated after Sheeran returned to the stage in Philadelphia on Saturday, September 19, where he admitted making «mistakes» over the Macklemore row. He told the crowd at Lincoln Financial Field that the fallout had made him question whether he wanted «to be an artist at all.» «I've had to take and make difficult decisions, and I am making mistakes, and I'm so, so sorry,» he said. Sheeran also stated he never intended to be «an activist musician,» but the controversy placed him at the center of «an important and passionate argument about freedom of speech.» He expressed concern about venues pre-approving performer content, saying, «This happens in so many places that I perform around the world, but it should never happen in the free world.»
Turning to Gaza, Sheeran said: «I've tried in my career to not be a political commentator of any kind because I want my music and shows to be about unity, not division, about humanity, not politics. But this is a humanitarian issue, and I cannot hide how I feel about it anymore.» He described the Hamas-led attack at the Nova music festival on October 7, 2023, as «horrific,» and called the situation in Gaza «catastrophic, unjustifiable, and disproportionate.» He also mentioned speaking to people across the spectrum about making a humanitarian contribution.
Other artists have weighed in on the dispute. Bob Geldof defended Sheeran, telling the Belfast Telegraph that artists have the right to decide when and where to use their platform for political issues. Aaron Rowe, a former support act, said anger should be directed at «the likes of Robert Kraft,» the Israeli American Council, and others who pressured venues. Greta Thunberg also criticized Sheeran's «lack of spine,» urging people to step out of their comfort zones in the fight against genocide.
Church's remarks add to a growing divide in the music industry over artists' political speech, particularly regarding the Israel-Gaza conflict. While some, like Sheeran, attempt to balance unity and humanitarian concern, others, like Church and Macklemore, argue that silence is complicity. The tour controversy has already led to multiple artist withdrawals and sparked debates about censorship and freedom of expression in live performance.