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A BBC video published September 20 captured concertgoers streaming toward Lincoln Financial Field alongside pro-Palestinian activists who assembled nearby with flags and signs as Ed Sheeran prepared for his first solo concert since a major tour controversy erupted. The broadcaster’s footage showed hundreds of ticket holders approaching the venue while a smaller group of demonstrators gathered at nearby intersections. NBC News placed the size of the protest at dozens of participants who chanted “Free, free Palestine” as passing motorists honked in support. Fox News reported that demonstrators waved Palestinian flags outside the stadium ahead of the show.
The gathering reflected fallout from Macklemore’s removal as an opening act after he said “Free Palestine” onstage and performed his protest song “Hind’s Hall” at Sheeran’s concerts at MetLife Stadium on September 4 and 5, The New York Times reported. The Anti-Defamation League and other groups criticized the performance, prompting a petition from the Israeli-American Council calling for Macklemore’s dismissal from the Loop tour. Macklemore later alleged in an Instagram statement that New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft had urged stadium owners to oppose his appearances, according to the Los Angeles Times.
In response to the decision, supporting acts including Finneas, Aaron Rowe, Lukas Graham and Beoga withdrew from the tour in solidarity, as they announced on social media platforms covered by The New York Times. The controversy led to the cancellation of all opening performances for Sheeran’s Philadelphia date, pushing the start time back two hours. A coalition of local organizations including the Philly Palestine Coalition and NO ICE Philly had called for the protest to refocus attention on the Gaza conflict, a statement from the groups said.
Ed Sheeran opened his set by telling the audience he had made mistakes during the week and apologizing to fans, The Independent reported. “I’ve tried in my career to not be a political commentator of any kind because I want my music and shows to be about unity, not division, about humanity, not politics,” Sheeran said. “But this is a humanitarian issue and I cannot hide how I feel about it anymore.” He described the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack as horrific while calling events in Gaza catastrophic, unjustifiable and disproportionate, according to NBC News.
Protesters interviewed outside the venue expressed frustration with Sheeran’s earlier reluctance to address the conflict, multiple outlets reported. One participant told NBC Philadelphia that if Sheeran would not platform discussion of Palestine then the city would speak on the issue. A demonstrator identified as Cooper informed the BBC that more artists with platforms should advocate for Palestinian liberation, adding he hoped for but did not expect Sheeran to acknowledge genocide.
Philadelphia Police Department officials stated they were working with venue operators and event organizers to maintain safety at the large gathering, The Hollywood Reporter reported. The concert proceeded without major disruptions as fans entered the stadium for Sheeran’s solo performance. BBC interviews with some attendees found that a number were unaware of the preceding controversy or Macklemore’s removal from the tour.
