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Ed Sheeran Resumes Tour After Macklemore Palestine Controversy
Ed Sheeran is scheduled to perform in Philadelphia on Saturday.
His concert became controversial after opening act Macklemore spoke in support of Palestine during a show.
Macklemore was then removed from Sheeran’s tour.
Two replacement performers also decided not to take part.
Finneas, who was expected to join Sheeran later in South America, also withdrew.
Sheeran may now perform much of the concert by himself.
Pro-Palestinian groups plan to protest outside the stadium.
The cheapest tickets have become less expensive since Monday.
Macklemore and Sheeran’s side have also discussed donations to relief efforts.
Ed Sheeran is scheduled to resume his US tour Saturday at Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field.
Macklemore was removed from the tour after chanting “Free Palestine” during a September 5 New Jersey concert.
Replacement acts Lukas Graham and Aaron Rowe, along with other supporting performers, subsequently withdrew.
Sheeran may perform largely solo, while no replacement opening act was listed on his website.
Pro-Palestinian groups plan to protest outside the venue, as Philadelphia ticket prices have fallen sharply.
- Who
- Ed Sheeran, Macklemore, Lukas Graham, Aaron Rowe, Finneas, Robert Kraft and pro-Palestinian organizations are involved.
- What
- Sheeran is restarting his US tour after supporting acts withdrew following Macklemore’s removal over pro-Palestinian comments.
- Where
- Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, United States; the original chant occurred in New Jersey.
- When
- The Philadelphia concert is scheduled for Saturday; Macklemore made the disputed chant on September 5, and the withdrawals followed earlier this week.
- Why
- Macklemore was removed after chanting “Free Palestine,” while other performers withdrew after Sheeran’s statement about the decision.
Pro-Palestinian Critics
Tour and Venue Interests
Macklemore’s removal
Pro-Palestinian Critics
Macklemore’s support for Palestine, including his “Free Palestine” chant, is presented as a political expression that prompted criticism and planned protest activity.
Tour and Venue Interests
Macklemore was removed from the tour after the controversy, and Sheeran said he was not responsible for the decision.
Financial response
Pro-Palestinian Critics
Macklemore announced a USD 1 million donation to Palestinian relief efforts and challenged Robert Kraft to match it.
Tour and Venue Interests
A spokesperson for Kraft said Kraft and Sheeran each agreed to donate USD 2 million, though the destination of the donations was not specified.
Concert continuation
Pro-Palestinian Critics
The planned protest and performer withdrawals reflect opposition to the handling of the controversy.
Tour and Venue Interests
Sheeran is proceeding with the Philadelphia concert, potentially performing solo despite the loss of opening and supporting acts.
Key facts
- Concert
- Ed Sheeran is scheduled to perform Saturday at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.
- Original opener
- Macklemore was removed after chanting “Free Palestine” during a September 5 New Jersey concert.
- Replacement acts
- Lukas Graham and Aaron Rowe had replaced Macklemore before withdrawing.
- Possible format
- Sheeran may perform solo, although he has also performed with Irish folk band Beoga during the tour.
- Planned protest
- A coalition of pro-Palestinian organizations plans to demonstrate outside the venue.
- Donations
- Macklemore said he would donate USD 1 million to Palestinian relief efforts; a spokesperson said Sheeran and Robert Kraft each agreed to donate USD 2 million, without specifying recipients.
- Ticket prices
- TicketData reported that the cheapest tickets fell from USD 123 on Monday to USD 67 on Friday.
Sources
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