SNL UK's cold open sketch satirised Ed Sheeran for his reluctance to take a stance during an ongoing tour controversy. The sketch portrayed a character version of Sheeran refusing to choose a side in a fictional conflict, using humour to critique his real-world handling of recent events surrounding his Loop Tour. This comes as Sheeran faces pressure over how he has navigated recent developments during his current concerts.

Sheeran was performing at Philadelphia's Lincoln Financial Field on Saturday night when the sketch aired. His tour opener Macklemore was removed from the tour after using his platform to call for "free Palestine" during his set the previous week. During his Philadelphia performance, Sheeran addressed the controversy directly, acknowledging the situations in Israel and Gaza, apologising for difficult decisions he has made, and committing to listen, learn and contribute to helping victims whilst emphasising that his concerts remain welcoming spaces for all attendees regardless of their views.