Pro-Palestinian Demonstrators Gather Outside Ed Sheeran Concert in Philadelphia
Around 100 pro-Palestinian protesters assembled outside Lincoln Financial Field before Ed Sheeran's concert, highlighting opposition to the removal of rapper Macklemore from the tour.
Pro-Palestinian activists assembled outside Philadelphia's Lincoln Financial Field on Saturday evening ahead of Ed Sheeran's performance, marking the first show since rapper Macklemore was removed from the Loop Tour after his onstage remarks supporting Palestine. Organizers from groups including Writers Against the War in Gaza, the Boycott Cooknsolo Coalition and Shut Down Day & Zimmermann coordinated the demonstration, which began at 4:30 p.m. and drew roughly 100 participants.
"It’s a movement for Palestinian lives and it’s not going to stop until Palestine is free," said Jodi Rhoden, an organizer with Writers Against the War in Gaza.
"We have to continue talking about Palestine," added Grace, an 18-year-old college student, who expressed hope that Sheeran would acknowledge the controversy.
Macklemore had performed at Sheeran's September 4 and 5 shows in New Jersey, presenting a pro-Palestinian song and footage from Gaza. Days later, tour promoter Messina Touring Group announced that several stadiums would not allow him to appear, leading to his removal from the remaining dates. Macklemore alleged that New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, whose company owns Gillette Stadium, pressured stadium owners to exclude him. Kraft confirmed he opposed Macklemore's performance, citing concerns that the presentation ignored Hamas and could foster division.
Sheeran stated that the decision to drop Macklemore was made by the promoter and venues, not by him, and that he had attempted to mediate with venue owners, promoters and activists. Following the controversy, other artists such as Finneas, Lukas Graham, Aaron Rowe and the Irish group Beoga withdrew from the tour. The Philadelphia concert was rescheduled from a 5:30 p.m. start to 8 p.m., with Sheeran listed as the sole act.
The Philadelphia chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations issued an open letter to local officials questioning the exclusion of Macklemore and requesting records about the decision. Police coordinated with venue staff and Sheeran's team to manage security for the event.