{
  "id": 8589796,
  "title": "Ed Sheeran's fans back singer after controversy over Macklemore, Palestinians",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/20/ed-sheerans-fans-back-singer-after-controversy-over-macklemore",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-20T02:48:40.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Jerusalem Post",
    "slug": "jerusalem-post",
    "url": "https://www.jpost.com/international/article-909140"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Ed Sheeran fans remained supportive of the pop star during a Philadelphia concert despite controversy surrounding the removal of rapper Macklemore from the tour. At the stage, Sheeran himself acknowledged making mistakes during tough decisions, stating he never intended to be an activist musician. Sheeran's performance marked his return after Macklemore's departure following remarks supporting Palestine. The remaining supporting acts followed suit in solidarity with their colleague. Despite the political nature of the issue, concert-goers like Joy VanRuler and Javier Hernandez expressed their willingness to support both artists, emphasizing the importance of music over politics. Pro-Palestinian protesters gathered nearby, aiming to discuss the situation in Gaza and local advocacy groups. Macklemore shared his own perspective on social media, citing stadium owners' threats of banning him from future shows if he remained on the tour. Sheeran explained that the promoter removed Macklemore, and he personally holds views on the conflict while maintaining an apolitical stance during his performances.",
  "summary": "\"It doesn't need to be political,\" one fan said in an interview outside the stadium in Philadelphia. \"It's about the music, and we support both of them and it's all good.\"",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "RTE News",
        "title": "Fans back Sheeran at first concert since Macklemore row",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/19/fans-back-sheeran-at-first-concert-since-macklemore-row",
        "published": "2026-09-19T23:54:31.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Times of India",
        "title": "'What is happening in Gaza is catastrophic': Ed Sheeran addresses Macklemore row",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/20/what-is-happening-in-gaza-is-catastrophic-ed-sheeran-addresses",
        "published": "2026-09-20T03:49:12.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}