Ed Sheeran, the world-famous pop artist, is now facing pro-Palestinian protests following the removal of Macklemore from his ongoing tour after he made anti-Israeli remarks during a performance.
The fallout from Macklemore's removal is following Ed Sheeran on the road.
— Fox News (@FoxNews) September 19, 2026
Pro-Palestinian protesters descend on Lincoln Financial Field ahead of Sheeran's Philadelphia concert, waving Palestinian flags and chanting "Free Palestine."
Macklemore was dropped from the tour… pic.twitter.com/BCKBjsi09z
Protesters chant “Ed Sheeran is a clown” outside Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, where he’s set to perform tonight for the first time since Macklemore was dropped from his tour. pic.twitter.com/K4LXEFRjY7
— Variety (@Variety) September 19, 2026
Sheeran released a statement during a concert as protests raged outside the venue, stating that he has made mistakes in recent days in handling the situation, and that he was “appalled by the conflict between Israel and Palestine. He said that he would rather focus on “unity, joy, escapism, [and] love” rather than “division” or “politics.”
Sheeran acknowledged the October 7 attack by Hamas on Israel, and then stated: “what is happening in Gaza is catastrophic and unjustifiable and disproportionate.”
“The systemic injustice we’re seeing unfold in the West Bank cannot be overlooked,” Sheeran added.
Ed Sheeran addresses the controversy surrounding Macklemore’s removal from his tour and says, “What is happening in Gaza is catastrophic and unjustifiable.”
— Variety (@Variety) September 20, 2026
“Before I play some songs tonight, I hope it’s okay if I say a few words about this last week,” Sheeran said at the top of… pic.twitter.com/ZhtujolkKK
Singer Ed Sheeran appears to read an apology after Macklemore was kicked off the tour for his pro-Palestine rant.
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) September 20, 2026
Sheeran, who is from England, said what happened to Macklemore “should never happen in the free world.”
“I want my music and shows to be about unity, not division,… pic.twitter.com/PQ1fHGGcvb
Sheeran has maintained that he played no part in Macklemore's removal. Opening acts and members of Sheeran’s band reportedly backed out of the tour after Macklemore was removed.
