Ed Sheeran fans and pro-Palestinian activists gather outside Philadelphia concert
Ed Sheeran performed in Philadelphia on Saturday without an opening act after organizers dropped rapper Macklemore over his pro-Palestinian comments, drawing protesters outside the venue.
Concertgoers arriving at Ed Sheeran's Saturday night show in Philadelphia expressed mixed feelings about attending a performance without an opening act or supporting band.
The change came after Macklemore was removed from the concert lineup following pro-Palestinian remarks he had made.
Outside the venue, protesters gathered to show support for the American rapper and to call on Sheeran to publicly address the controversy surrounding the decision.
BBC correspondent Carl Nasman spoke with both fans heading into the show and demonstrators gathered nearby to hear their perspectives on the situation.
The reactions from both concertgoers and activists reflect a broader debate over how artists' political statements are handled at major public events, and what responsibility performers like Sheeran bear in responding to such disputes.
