At Coldplay’s Wembley show, Chris Martin paused before “Fix You” to ask fans to “send love” around the world, specifically naming Charlie Kirk’s family. Kirk, a right-wing commentator, had been fatally shot on stage in Utah on September 10; a 22-year-old suspect, Tyler Robinson, was later arrested on suspicion of murder.

The shoutout drew a mixed reaction in the stadium and online. Some attendees said they booed or would have walked out, while others praised Martin for the gesture.

Onstage, Martin also urged compassion for loved ones and for people affected by conflicts in the Middle East, Ukraine, Russia, Azerbaijan, Sudan, and Somalia. It’s not the band’s first Wembley controversy: on August 31, Martin brought two Israeli fans on stage, prompting criticism from some quarters, including an arts group.

The episode highlights how Coldplay’s peace-first messages can still polarize. Supporters framed the moment as empathy; detractors questioned singling out Kirk and objected to Martin’s prior remarks—keeping the band in the cultural crossfire.