Ed Sheeran breaks silence on Macklemore controversy at Philadelphia concert
British singer Ed Sheeran addressed for the first time the backlash over dropping rapper Macklemore from his tour after his pro-Palestinian remarks, saying the decision was made by his promoters. Ticket sales for the remaining US leg of his tour have declined.
Ed Sheeran opened his Saturday concert at a Philadelphia sports stadium alone onstage, without any opening acts, and spoke publicly for the first time about the controversy surrounding American rapper Macklemore's removal from his tour following pro-Palestinian remarks.
Sheeran said he never wanted to be an activist musician, but the episode had placed him in the middle of a passionate debate over free speech and one of the most complex political issues in the world.
Empty seats and cancelled support acts
The show's start was delayed after several musicians pulled out over the controversy, and a number of seats remained empty when the concert began. Ticket prices for the remaining dates of his US Loop Tour leg have dropped, with some now going for as little as $32 (£24), a steep fall for a tour that had previously been among the highest-grossing ever.
Sheeran said the decision to drop Macklemore had been made by his promoters, not by him personally. He told the audience his concerts had always been a safe space for everyone, and admitted to making mistakes amid difficult decisions, adding that his commitment to fans was why he returned to the stage.
Protests outside, show goes on
A few dozen protesters gathered near the nearest transit stop waving flags as ticket holders made their way to Lincoln Financial Field, though the concert proceeded largely without disruption. Some fans reported receiving ticket refunds, although neither Ticketmaster nor promoter Messina Touring Group confirmed such reimbursements. Sheeran's tour continues with dates scheduled across North and South America.
