Pro-Palestinian protesters demonstrate near Lincoln Financial Field ahead of Ed Sheeran's concert in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on September 19, 2026, following the removal of rapper Macklemore from Sheeran's US tour. (Photo by MATTHEW HATCHER / AFP)
Pro-Palestinian protest targets Ed Sheeran concert
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- Pro-Palestinian protesters gathered outside Ed Sheeran's Philadelphia show, waving flags and chanting support for Gaza.
- The demonstration targeted the removal of opener Macklemore following his pro-Palestinian comments on stage.
- Sheeran's fanbase splintered over the controversy, with some boycotting in protest and others defending keeping politics separate from music.
A few dozen pro-Palestinian protesters gathered outside the venue of Ed Sheeran’s concert in Philadelphia, waving Palestinian flags and chanting "Free, free Palestine" as the British pop star faced growing criticism over his handling of his tour's opening lineup.
The demonstration was sparked after Sheeran’s assigned opening act was booted from the tour following pro-Palestinian comments made during a performance.
Critics and protesters targeted Sheeran for failing to back the artist or take a stand against the decision.
Attending fans and former supporters displayed a clear divide regarding the controversy and whether artists should navigate political issues.
Some concertgoers defended attending the show, maintaining that live entertainment should remain distinct from political debates.
"It’s music. It makes you feel good. There should not be any politics in it," Ashley Fry, a mother of three, told AFP outside the venue.
Conversely, others chose to boycott the performance altogether, citing moral objections to Sheeran's perceived silence and the removal of the opening act.
"I can't stand with Ed Sheeran and support his music when his music goes against everything I stand for as a person," student Brandon Atek said regarding his decision to skip the concert.
