Ed Sheeran addresses Gaza at Philadelphia show after Macklemore’s removal

Ed Sheeran addressed the controversy over Macklemore’s removal from his tour at his Philadelphia concert on September 19, 2026, publicly discussing Gaza as he resumed performing.

Speaking at Lincoln Financial Field, Sheeran described the situation in Gaza as “catastrophic and unjustifiable.” The remarks marked his first concert since the dispute over his opening act, according to Variety and the Associated Press.

Macklemore had been dropped after making pro-Palestinian comments during a September 5 appearance in New Jersey. Other supporting performers subsequently withdrew, the Associated Press reported.

The Philadelphia Inquirer reported that Sheeran also expressed concern about venues influencing performances. His remarks put the dispute over performers’ freedom of expression before the audience as the tour continued.

Pro-Palestinian demonstrators gathered outside the Philadelphia concert, according to the Inquirer’s reporting from the scene. The concert and the protest were part of the same evening’s response to the removal; neither establishes a new change to the remaining tour schedule.