Protesters Gather Outside Ed Sheeran Concert Amid Macklemore Controversy
Demonstrators voiced anti-Israel sentiments ahead of Sheeran's Philadelphia show, his first since opening act Macklemore was removed from the tour.
Approximately 30 protesters gathered near Philadelphia's Lincoln Financial Field on Saturday ahead of Ed Sheeran's concert, his first performance since rapper Macklemore was removed from the tour for anti-Israel remarks. The demonstrators held Palestinian flags and signs with messages such as “America is the head of the snake” and “Ready to resist.”
The group, which chanted “Robert Kraft has got to go,” appeared to be outnumbered by members of the media covering the event. Tickets for the concert were still available shortly before the show's scheduled start.
Sheeran's opening acts, including Finneas and his backing band, had previously quit the tour in protest after Macklemore was dismissed. The rapper, whose real name is Benjamin Hammond Haggerty, had delivered anti-Israel statements during two of his opening sets.
Macklemore's departure followed remarks made at MetLife Stadium on September 4, where he called for a “Free Palestine” and accused Israel of genocide and apartheid. He also performed a song titled “Hinds Hall,” a tribute to anti-Israel demonstrators at Columbia University. He made similar statements the following night at the Meadowlands.
Fans expressed disappointment with Macklemore's actions. Moshe Creditor, 21, stated that the rapper's performance “ruined what was supposed to be a great night.”
The controversy escalated when New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft barred Macklemore from performing at Gillette Stadium. Kraft described the rapper's performance as “deeply offensive and hurtful to the Jewish community,” but also expressed a willingness to discuss the issue. He emphasized that advocating for Palestinians should not overshadow the suffering of either community or obscure the role of Hamas.
Singer Pink also commented on Macklemore's actions, referencing a 2014 incident where he performed in a costume perceived as an antisemitic caricature. She criticized the costume as having been clearly understood as antisemitic within the Jewish community.