Ed Sheeran Addresses Macklemore Removal Controversy at Philadelphia Concert
Tour Fallout Deepens as Supporting Acts Withdraw in Protest
The controversy ignited earlier in September when American rapper Macklemore delivered a politically charged speech supporting Palestinians in Gaza and West Bank during performances at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. According to reporting, a boycott petition subsequently targeted the rapper, leading to his removal from eight of the remaining ten shows on the North American leg of the Loop Tour.
Macklemore claimed via Instagram that pressure from billionaire Robert Kraft—whose company owns Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts, where Sheeran was scheduled to perform—orchestrated the dismissal by issuing an ultimatum to venue owners. In response to the decision, every remaining opening act on the tour announced their withdrawal. Finneas, the music partner and brother of Billie Eilish, wrote on Instagram, “Artists must not be silenced when they speak up for the oppressed. I have decided to withdraw from my upcoming tour dates with Ed Sheeran. I stand with Palestine and its people.”
Additional support acts including Irish singer Aaron Rowe, Danish pop group Lukas Graham, and traditional Irish band Beoga also pulled out of the remaining dates. Rowe stated that his background made him acutely sensitive to forced conflict and occupation, while Lukas Graham emphasized that wealth should not invalidate an artist’s perspective on civilian casualties.
Ed Sheeran Defends Neutrality While Acknowledging Conflict
Speaking from the stage in Philadelphia on Saturday night, Sheeran addressed the tense atmosphere surrounding the tour before launching into his set. Previously released statements from Sheeran clarified his stance on maintaining a neutral professional platform. “There is a reason I do not use my professional platform for politics – my audience includes young people, often children, of all backgrounds,” Sheeran wrote. He added that while he harbors personal views on the conflict and remains appalled by the suffering on both sides, he chooses to use his fame as a place of safety and sanctuary rather than a political forum. He also noted that Macklemore, like all support acts, had complete freedom in choosing his setlist.
