Ed Sheeran is scheduled to perform at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia later this week, marking his first concert since opening acts pulled out in connection with the expulsion of rapper Macklemore from his U.S. tour. Macklemore was dropped from the tour after making statements in support of Palestine during a performance in New Jersey earlier this month. The removal followed pressure from influential figures, including pro-Israel billionaire Robert Kraft.
In response to Macklemore’s departure, multiple artists withdrew their support for the tour. Finneas, who collaborates with Billie Eilish, dropped out earlier this week. Danish band Lukas Graham and Irish singer Aaron Rowe also announced they would not perform at various dates on Sheeran’s global tour. The withdrawals mean Sheeran may perform without opening acts at the Philadelphia show.
Palestinian advocacy groups have called for a boycott of the entire tour, including scheduled dates in Latin America and an unannounced European leg. The Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel stated that Sheeran is complicit in suppressing criticism of Israel regarding its military operations in Gaza. A pro-Palestinian rally is planned near the concert venue before the Saturday performance.
Macklemore has received expressions of solidarity from various quarters, including artists in Gaza who created a mural depicting him wrapped in a Palestinian flag amid the rubble of Gaza City. The situation reflects broader shifts in American public opinion regarding Israel and Palestine, with support for Israel declining to historic lows across the political spectrum, particularly among progressive voters and Democrats. Sheeran released a statement denying complicity in Macklemore’s expulsion and clarifying he was not responsible for the decision.
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