Pro-Palestinian Protesters Target Ed Sheeran Concert in Philadelphia
Demonstrators gathered outside Lincoln Financial Field, echoing concerns after Macklemore was removed from Sheeran's tour.
Pro-Palestinian protesters converged on Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia on Saturday, waving Palestinian flags and chanting slogans in support of Palestine. The demonstration occurred a week after rapper Macklemore was removed from Ed Sheeran's Loop Tour.
Macklemore, whose legal name is Ben Haggerty, was reportedly dropped from Sheeran's tour following pro-Palestinian statements made during his opening act at MetLife Stadium. Sheeran addressed Macklemore's removal on Tuesday, stating that the decision was made by concert promoters and venues, not by him.
Sheeran commented on the conflict between Israel and Palestine, describing the suffering on both sides as a "human tragedy" in a statement shared on Instagram. Macklemore had previously claimed that Sheeran informed him that Robert Kraft, owner of the New England Patriots and Gillette Stadium, had influenced other stadium owners to prevent the rapper from performing.
According to Macklemore's account, venues presented Sheeran with an ultimatum: either Macklemore would not be allowed to remain on the tour, or Sheeran would be prohibited from playing at their venues. Macklemore's history includes various controversies, alongside his Grammy wins and recent remarks regarding Palestine. Mackler's earlier performance at MetLife Stadium, where he voiced support for Palestine, led to criticism and ultimately his removal from the remainder of Sheeran's U.S. tour dates.