{
  "id": 8776600,
  "title": "Ed Sheeran tries to both-sides his apology for dropping Macklemore",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/20/ed-sheeran-tries-to-both-sides-his-apology-for-dropping-macklemore",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-20T15:06:31.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The A.V. Club",
    "slug": "the-a-v-club",
    "url": "https://www.avclub.com/sheeran-apologizes-macklemore-philadelphia"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Ed Sheeran faced backlash after allowing Macklemore to be dropped from his tour due to pro-Palestinian statements. At a recent show in Philadelphia, Sheeran attempted to address the controversy and clarify his position on the Israel-Palestinian conflict. He acknowledged the horrific events in both Israel and Gaza, expressing deep sorrow for the loss of innocent lives and systemic injustice in the West Bank. Sheeran also praised Macklemore for donating his one million dollar salary to aid organizations supporting Palestinian victims.\n\nHowever, Sheeran's attempt to take a neutral stance on the issue further angered some fans and critics. He claimed he was speaking with various individuals to determine how to contribute to the situation, but made it clear that he lacked sufficient knowledge on the matter. This situation mirrors that of Robert Kraft, the owner of the New England Patriots and owner of Gillette Stadium, who faced pressure from Macklemore to match his donation and pledged two million dollars towards building bridges through aid in the region.\n\nSheeran concluded his statement by emphasizing the inclusivity of his concert venue, stating that it remains a welcoming space for all, regardless of differing viewpoints. Yet, he did not include Macklemore in this invitation, as the rapper had been banned from the Loop Tour following Kraft's mandate.",
  "summary": "The singer prefaced his first show since dropping his opening act by saying not very much.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Ynetnews Culture",
        "title": "Ed Sheeran breaks silence on Gaza after Macklemore tour uproar",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/20/ed-sheeran-breaks-silence-on-gaza-after-macklemore-tour-uproar",
        "published": "2026-09-20T06:20:07.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Free Malaysia Today",
        "title": "Sheeran apologises over handling of Macklemore controversy",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/20/sheeran-apologises-over-handling-of-macklemore-controversy",
        "published": "2026-09-20T10:09:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}