Attendees and demonstrators assembled in Philadelphia on Saturday evening for Ed Sheeran’s performance, which unfolds without the scheduled opening acts or support band. The tour structure was altered after American rapper Macklemore was removed from the lineup following backlash regarding his pro-Palestinian statements.
BBC correspondent Carl Nasman reported from the scene, noting that those entering the venue held mixed feelings about the streamlined show. Meanwhile, a group of protesters gathered nearby to voice their solidarity with Macklemore and called upon Sheeran to respond to the controversy surrounding his decision.
Does anyone know if Sheeran will address the controversy at all? The silence from his team is deafening.
Ed Sheeran did the right thing by removing the rapper. This tour is about the music, not political drama.
So sad to see Macklemore dropped just for speaking his truth. Solidarity with him.