Ed Sheeran continues US tour amid Palestinian controversy
Pro-Palestinian protests are expected at Ed Sheeran's first gig since Macklemore was dropped from the tour. The US rapper shouted "Free Palestine" at a concert in New Jersey.
Ed Sheeran's US tour proceeds despite controversy surrounding a fellow performer's pro-Palestinian remarks. Pro-Palestinian demonstrators are anticipated to congregate in Philadelphia on Saturday, the day of Sheeran's inaugural performance since the controversy. The UK singer-songwriter, a globally renowned artist, refuted allegations of his involvement in dropping rapper Macklemore from the lineup, attributing the decision to the tour promoter.
Earlier this month, Macklemore made pro-Palestinian statements during Sheeran's US Loop Tour introduction in New Jersey, a move that drew harsh criticism from some American supporters of Israel. This backlash resulted in Macklemore's removal from the tour and prompted several support acts to withdraw from participation. To address the situation, Sheeran released a statement expressing his disapproval of the Israel-Palestine conflict and emphasizing his personal stance on the matter, while maintaining that he has no public platform to voice these opinions.
Additionally, Sheeran cited a prominent American business figure, Robert Kraft, who owns Gillette Stadium, as one of the individuals advocating for Macklemore's exclusion from the tour. For Saturday's show, local organizers have organized a pro-Palestinian rally in the vicinity of the concert venue, with authorities promising a robust police presence to ensure public safety.
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