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Ed Sheeran Apologizes for Macklemore Backlash at Philadelphia Concert

3:09 AM ETConfirmed

Entertainment Desk

In Short: Ed Sheeran apologized to fans at his Philadelphia concert for the controversy surrounding Macklemore's removal from his tour.

Ed Sheeran addressed the crowd at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, apologizing for the recent backlash following Macklemore's removal from his tour.

Sheeran, visibly emotional, told the audience, 'I didn't know if I would have things thrown at me.' He emphasized that he decided to continue the tour because 'music is everything and brings people together.

Pro-Palestinian protesters gathered outside the venue, waving Palestinian flags and chanting 'Free Palestine.' Demonstrators also held signs outside the stadium prior to the concert.

Sheeran acknowledged the criticism, saying, 'I’m not surprised that this week’s criticism was about something much more important.' He expressed his dismay over the conflict between Israel and Palestine, describing it as 'a human tragedy.

Macklemore was dropped from Sheeran's Loop Tour after making pro-Palestinian remarks during his opening act at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. The rapper had previously faced backlash in 2014 for wearing a costume that pro-Israeli groups said resembled anti-Jewish caricatures.

Sheeran stated that the decision to remove Macklemore was made by the tour promoter, not by him personally. He also noted that he had tried to avoid being a political commentator in his career.

Macklemore, in a statement, said his removal was the result of an effort led by Robert Kraft, the billionaire owner of the New England Patriots. He announced he would donate $1 million from his net earnings to six organizations helping Palestinians.

Sheeran's apology and emotional address came after a week of controversy and criticism, with some Jewish groups calling for his removal from the tour. He expressed gratitude to his fans for their support.

Sheeran's emotional speech and the presence of protesters underscore the ongoing tensions surrounding the Israel-Palestine conflict and the role of public figures in addressing these issues.

The incident has drawn attention from other celebrities, including Pink, who reposted a message criticizing Macklemore's performance.

What this adds

Background

What's confirmed

• Ed Sheeran addressed the crowd at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, apologizing for the recent backlash following Macklemore's removal from his tour.
• Sheeran, visibly emotional, told the audience, 'I didn't know if I would have things thrown at me.' He emphasized that he decided to continue the tour because 'music is everything and brings people together.
• Pro-Palestinian protesters gathered outside the venue, waving Palestinian flags and chanting 'Free Palestine.' Demonstrators also held signs outside the stadium prior to the concert.
• Sheeran acknowledged the criticism, saying, 'I’m not surprised that this week’s criticism was about something much more important.' He expressed his dismay over the conflict between Israel and Palestine, describing it as 'a human tragedy.
• Macklemore was dropped from Sheeran's Loop Tour after making pro-Palestinian remarks during his opening act at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. The rapper had previously faced backlash in 2014 for wearing a costume that pro-Israeli groups said resembled anti-Jewish caricatures.
• Sheeran stated that the decision to remove Macklemore was made by the tour promoter, not by him personally. He also noted that he had tried to avoid being a political commentator in his career.
• Macklemore, in a statement, said his removal was the result of an effort led by Robert Kraft, the billionaire owner of the New England Patriots. He announced he would donate $1 million from his net earnings to six organizations helping Palestinians.
• Sheeran's apology and emotional address came after a week of controversy and criticism, with some Jewish groups calling for his removal from the tour. He expressed gratitude to his fans for their support.
• Sheeran's emotional speech and the presence of protesters underscore the ongoing tensions surrounding the Israel-Palestine conflict and the role of public figures in addressing these issues.
• The incident has drawn attention from other celebrities, including Pink, who reposted a message criticizing Macklemore's performance.

What's still developing

• “I honestly am so grateful that you’re here tonight with me,” Sheeran also said.
• The appearance quickly became controversial, with an Israeli-American organization launching a petition calling on Sheeran to drop Macklemore from the remaining U.S. dates.
• During his set, Macklemore called for freedom for Palestinians and others around the world before performing his protest song "Hind's Hall." The performance included images related to Gaza on the stadium screens.
• Macklemore has now shared his response to the criticism, making clear he doesn't view support for Palestinians as an attack on Jews.
• Kraft’s involvement was implicitly cited in some of the statements from the supporting acts who left Sheeran’s tour Tuesday, decrying the influence of money.
• “Whatever we disagree about, perhaps we can agree on this: Palestinian lives are worth protecting,” Macklemore wrote.
• Beoga, an Irish folk band, had been performing with Sheeran for part of his set since his tour began in January in New Zealand.
• After Macklemore issued a lengthy statement Monday about being removed from the tour, Sheeran took to Instagram to lay out his side.

Sources

• Fox Newslink
• Washingtonexaminerlink
• Tmzlink
• The Indian Expresslink
• Newsweeklink
• Ladbiblelink
• Rolling Stonelink
• The Guardianlink
• Fox13Seattlelink
• Xxlmaglink
• 7Newslink
• NBC Newslink
• WarpBeat — background on Aaron Rowe Defends Ed Sheeran Amid Macklemore Tour Fallout link
• WarpBeat — background on Ed Sheeran Asks Robert Kraft to Donate $2m in Aid After Macklemore Controversy link