{
  "id": 8447505,
  "title": "Ed Sheeran Continues US Tour Amid Palestinian Controversy",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/19/ed-sheeran-continues-us-tour-amid-palestinian-controversy-8447505",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-19T11:26:35.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Tempo.co English",
    "slug": "tempo-co-english",
    "url": "https://en.tempo.co/read/2119916/ed-sheeran-continues-us-tour-amid-palestinian-controversy"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Ed Sheeran's US tour continues despite a controversy surrounding the removal of US rapper Macklemore from the lineup. The singer, a global music sensation, has faced criticism for Macklemore's pro-Palestinian remarks made during a performance. Macklemore expressed his support for Palestine with the phrase \"Free Palestine\" during his opening show in New Jersey. This sparked backlash from those supporting Israel, leading to his removal from the tour. Other support acts, such as Irish folk band Beoga, also left the tour in solidarity with Macklemore. Ed Sheeran, however, maintains his non-partisan stance on the matter, stating that he is not responsible for Macklemore's removal. The singer emphasized his personal views on the conflict between Israel and Palestine, acknowledging the suffering on both sides. Ed Sheeran's tour is set to conclude in Mexico City in December, with shows still scheduled across North and South America. Local groups have organized a pro-Palestinian rally near the concert venue in Philadelphia, with police presence expected to ensure the safety of attendees.",
  "summary": "Pro-Palestinian protests are expected at Ed Sheeran's first gig since Macklemore was dropped from the tour.",
  "key_points": [
    "Ed Sheeran's US tour proceeds amid controversy over Macklemore's removal.",
    "Macklemore criticized Israel with \"Free Palestine\" at New Jersey show.",
    "Sheeran maintains non-partisan stance, tour continues through December."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": "https://urgent.news/ill/8447505.png",
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "DW News",
        "title": "Ed Sheeran continues US tour amid Palestinian controversy",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/19/ed-sheeran-continues-us-tour-amid-palestinian-controversy",
        "published": "2026-09-19T09:14:00.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "New Straits Times",
        "title": "Fly FM pulls Ed Sheeran songs from playlist amid Macklemore row",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/19/fly-fm-pulls-ed-sheeran-songs-from-playlist-amid-macklemore-row",
        "published": "2026-09-19T09:46:19.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}