Protesters Chant 'Free, Free Palestine' Outside Ed Sheeran's Philadelphia Concert

Ed Sheeran's US Loop Tour has been marred by controversy after rapper Macklemore was removed as an opening act due to his pro-Palestinian comments. The decision to drop Macklemore was reportedly made by the tour promoter, not Sheeran himself.

Four other supporting acts subsequently withdrew from the tour, citing their own support for Palestinians.

Sheeran, 35, has denied any involvement in the decision to remove Macklemore, blaming the tour promoter instead. However, critics have accused him of failing to speak out against stadium owners who object to pro-Palestinian comments.

The controversy has led to boycott calls and accusations that Sheeran is not doing enough to support Palestinian rights.

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A small group of protesters gathered outside a subway station near Lincoln Financial Field. There, Sheeran was set to perform, waving Palestinian flags and chanting slogans in support of Palestinian rights. Police were present but kept a safe distance from the peaceful gathering.

The protest was organized by pro-Palestinian groups, including the Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel.

The situation is part of a growing trend in the entertainment industry. There, artists are increasingly speaking out against the conflict in Gaza and West Bank settler violence. Since Israel's invasion of Gaza in October 2023.

This comes after the worst attack on the country in its history by militant group Hamas. The toll on Palestinians has emerged as a rallying cry for many artists.

The massive Israeli offensive in Gaza has left most of the territory in ruins and killed more than 73,800 people. According to the Gaza health ministry. This is under Hamas authority and whose figures are considered reliable by the United Nations. On Saturday, Gaza authorities said the latest Israeli fire had killed at least four people.

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The boycott call against Sheeran's entire world tour has been extended to include upcoming Latin American dates and the European leg. The campaign aims to pressure stadium owners, including billionaire businessman Robert Kraft, who have objected to pro-Palestinian comments.

The price of cheapest tickets for Sheeran's Philadelphia show had fallen from $123 on Monday to $48 on Saturday evening, according to tracking site TicketData.

Zach Roth, a CD seller near the protest site, expressed sympathy for Sheeran, who will likely face criticism regardless of his actions. Sheeran's decision to maintain an apolitical stance has been seen as inconsistent.