WATCH: Coldplay slammed for ‘dehumanizing’ Israeli fans at Wembley concert

The incident quickly went viral on social media, drawing sharp criticism from Jewish advocates who viewed Martin’s handling of the situation as dehumanizing.

By Aaron Sull, Jewish Breaking News

What should have been a dream moment for two Israeli Coldplay fans turned uncomfortable Sunday night when they faced boos at Wembley Stadium, with frontman Chris Martin feeling compelled to defend their presence to a crowd of 90,000.

Avia and Yael were invited on stage during the band’s performance when Martin asked where they were from.

Their honest answer prompted a mixed reaction from the packed stadium — some applause, but notably more boos and groans that created an audibly hostile atmosphere around the two young women.

Martin, seated at his piano with the fans beside him, immediately addressed the crowd’s reaction.

“I’m going to say this. I’m very grateful that you’re here as humans. We are treating you as equal humans on Earth, regardless of where you come from,” he told them.

“Thank you for being here. We’re grateful and thank you for being loving and kind,” Martin continued before pivoting to the broader audience.

“Although it’s controversial, maybe, I also want to welcome people in the audience from Palestine. I believe that we’re all equally human.”

His comments about Palestinians drew cheers from the crowd, a stark contrast to the reception the Israeli fans had received moments earlier.

“For a quarter of a second, we thought of saying Malta,” the two women told Kan 11 after the show.

“But then I said Israel. We couldn’t and didn’t want to lie. It’s a little scary that 90,000 people knew we’re from there, but we said it,” one of the fans later explained to Israeli media.

The incident quickly went viral on social media, drawing sharp criticism from Jewish advocates who viewed Martin’s handling of the situation as dehumanizing.

Investigative journalist Eve Barlow said she “cannot even begin to unpack how mortifying that moment must have been” for the two fans.

Maccabee Task Force, a not-for-profit organization that supports Jewish college students, said while Martin “attempted to be kind to two Israeli fans” he “still unnecessarily politicized the moment.”

For their part, the band have maintained relatively neutral public positions on the war in Gaza.

Unlike many musicians that have taken explicitly pro-Hamas stances, Coldplay has avoided boycotting Israel, and Martin has visited the country previously.