Philadelphia stadium and home to the Eagles and Temple Owls
Ed Sheeran has returned to the stage in Philadelphia and has addressed the controversy after promoter Messina Touring Group removed Macklemore from remaining US dates following his onstage 'Free Palestine' remarks. Four supporting acts have withdrawn in solidarity, ticket sales have softened and some venues warned they would cancel shows if Macklemore remained on the bill.
Ed Sheeran has publicly condemned the Gaza crisis as catastrophic and unjustifiable while maintaining a stance that his shows are not political. The controversy surrounding Macklemore’s removal from the Loop Tour is shaping discussions about freedom of speech, venue decisions, and the balance between art and politics.
Pro-Palestine remarks have sparked a wave of artist withdrawals from Ed Sheeran’s US Loop Tour. Macklemore has been dropped by promoters, prompting fellow acts to withdraw; Sheeran blames promoters, while venue owners cite concerns over antisemitism and hate speech. The tour resumes with an unsettled lineup and ticketing questions.
Rapper Macklemore has been dropped from Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour after venue owner Robert Kraft accused him of hate speech for pro-Palestinian remarks. Kraft has called for donations to humanitarian aid and said Sheeran asked him to match a $2 million pledge. Other opening acts have withdrawn in solidarity as the tour faces growing backlash.
Pro-Palestinian backlash to Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour has led to Macklemore’s removal from the lineup and to radio stations in Ireland halting Sheeran’s music, with supporters planning protests and ticket resale prices dropping in some markets.
Ed Sheeran’s U.S. Loop Tour is facing a widening withdrawal of opening acts amid a backlash over his apolitical stance on Palestine. Macklemore has been dropped, after calling for a “free Palestine,” with other artists following in solidarity. Public figures accuse Sheeran of silence while the controversy unfolds.
Ed Sheeran has faced cancellations and protests after his promoter removed Macklemore from the US tour following the rapper's onstage "Free Palestine" remarks. Four supporting acts have quit, ticket sales have softened, and pro-Palestinian demonstrators have gathered outside his Philadelphia show as Sheeran has defended his decision to remain apolitical.
The Ed Sheeran Loop Tour at Gillette Stadium has been canceled due to severe weather warnings in Boston and New England. Promoter statements emphasize fan and staff safety, with refunds available. This follows controversy over Macklemore’s removal for pro-Palestinian comments, a move tied to venue owners’ stance. Several other events face disruption as a nor’easter bears down.