‘Thought you were better’: Israeli-American entrepreneur reacts to Coldplay, calls remarks hurtful

Yaron Samid, Chris Martin with Israeli women at a concert on Sunday

Yaron Samid, an Israeli-American technology entrepreneur, has criticised Coldplay lead singer Chris Martin for remarks made during a concert at Wembley Stadium in London on Sunday. During the show, Martin invited two women, Avia and Tal, onstage. When they said they were from Israel, part of the audience responded with boos, while others cheered. Martin appeared uncomfortable but addressed the audience, saying he was treating them “as equal humans on earth, regardless of where you come from or don’t come from.” He also added, “Although it’s controversial maybe, I also want to welcome people in the audience from Palestine because… out of the belief that we’re all equal humans.” Samid said that he and his wife, both Israeli, have been devoted Coldplay fans for over 20 years, travelling globally to see the band live. But the recent comment by Chris Martin, he wrote, was “especially hurtful” and a “tactless misstep” that wounded some of the band’s most loyal supporters. Samid said Martin, who he has long seen as a kind person using music to unite people, seemed to show “growing prejudice against Israeli people.” He highlighted the suffering of Israelis caught in conflicts, noting that many have endured brutal violence and continue to face hardships. He further urged Martin to reflect quietly on his words. “You’re better than this. Or at least I thought so.”