Ed Sheeran returns in Philadelphia amid Palestine tour protests
Show goes ahead after Macklemore exit and supporting acts quit
Ed Sheeran was due back on stage in Philadelphia after stadium owners pushed Macklemore off the tour over “Free Palestine” remarks, prompting multiple support acts to quit and boycott calls to widen.
Protesters gathered as Ed Sheeran prepared to resume his US Loop Tour in Philadelphia following a week of controversy. Rapper Macklemore was dropped after stadium owners objected to onstage “Free Palestine” comments in New Jersey. Four supporting acts then quit, including Sheeran’s backing band and Finneas. Boycott organisers urged fans and crew to avoid remaining dates across continents. No replacement openers had been announced at the time of reporting, leaving the Philadelphia production path unclear even as the headline show proceeded under protest.