Greta Thunberg has criticised Ed Sheeran for what she called a “lack of spine” over Palestine, urging people and institutions to support boycotts, sanctions and divestment. Her comments followed controversy over Macklemore being removed from Sheeran’s tour after pro-Palestinian remarks, and Sheeran’s initial reluctance to discuss politics publicly.

Sheeran later apologised for mistakes, said the Gaza situation was “catastrophic, unjustifiable, and disproportionate”, and described the issue as humanitarian rather than political. He also discussed concerns about freedom of speech and revealed he had removed the show’s B-stage because he feared a hostile reaction from the crowd; Bob Geldof defended his right to choose when to use his platform.