Ed Sheeran performs his first Philadelphia show on Saturday night since rapper Macklemore was removed from his US “LOOP Tour.” Several outlets report pro-Palestinian protesters gathering outside Lincoln Financial Field and chanting as concertgoers arrive.
The controversy traces to remarks Macklemore made onstage earlier in the tour, including “Free Palestine,” in New Jersey. After stadium owners hosting upcoming dates raised objections, Macklemore is removed from the rest of the tour, according to the reporting. Sheeran is also described as addressing the situation during the concert, with outlets noting he references events in Gaza and later appears emotional.
Across outlets, there are differences in emphasis: some focus on the on-site protests outside the venue and the atmosphere around the first show back, while others highlight Sheeran’s statements during the performance. Sheeran denies being directly behind the decision to remove Macklemore, and instead points to the tour promoter, though details of the decision-making process remain presented through statements and reporting rather than independently confirmed in these accounts.
