Archive · 21 Sep 2026
Ed Sheeran Describes Personal Toll of Macklemore Tour Fallout
Ed Sheeran performed a concert in Philadelphia during a difficult week.
He said some friends, relatives and longtime acquaintances had started distancing themselves from him.
He said people close to him told him to cancel his tour.
Sheeran continued because he wanted to perform for his fans.
The controversy began after Macklemore was removed from the tour.
Macklemore’s removal followed criticism of pro-Palestinian comments made during his performances.
Several other performers also left the tour.
Sheeran said the Philadelphia audience made him feel supported.
He also removed part of the stage because he was worried about security.
Ed Sheeran said friends, family and longtime acquaintances have been “backing away” amid the controversy.
Sheeran became emotional while addressing about 50,000 fans at Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field on Saturday.
He said people close to him urged him to cancel the tour, but he decided to continue performing.
Macklemore was removed from the Loop Tour after controversy over pro-Palestinian comments during his performances.
Finneas, Lukas Graham, Aaron Rowe and Beoga also withdrew from the scheduled tour lineup.
- Who
- Ed Sheeran, Macklemore and other performers connected to Sheeran’s Loop Tour; Sheeran’s cousin Jethro Sheeran also publicly criticized him.
- What
- Sheeran discussed feeling isolated amid the controversy surrounding Macklemore’s removal from the tour and said he would continue performing.
- When
- Sheeran addressed the audience on Saturday; he is scheduled to perform next on September 25 and 26.
- Where
- Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; the next shows are scheduled for Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts.
- Why
- Macklemore was removed after controversy over pro-Palestinian comments during his performances, while Sheeran said he continued the tour for his fans despite pressure to cancel.
Sheeran’s Account
Critics’ Concerns
Responsibility for Macklemore’s removal
Sheeran’s Account
Sheeran has said the decision was not his and that he tried to mediate among Macklemore, promoters and venues.
Critics’ Concerns
The controversy surrounding Macklemore’s removal led to criticism of Sheeran and prompted several scheduled performers to withdraw.
Whether to continue the tour
Sheeran’s Account
Sheeran chose to continue, saying he was performing for the fans who supported him.
Critics’ Concerns
People close to Sheeran, according to his account, urged him to cancel the tour amid the controversy.
Personal conduct
Sheeran’s Account
Sheeran said the week had left him feeling isolated and that longtime friends and relatives were backing away.
Critics’ Concerns
His cousin Jethro Sheeran publicly called him selfish, accused him of making fun of his mental health and said he was ashamed of him.
- Audience
- About 50,000 people attended Sheeran’s Philadelphia show.
- Tour
- The controversy involved Sheeran’s Loop Tour.
- Macklemore’s removal
- Macklemore was dropped from the tour following controversy over pro-Palestinian comments made during performances.
- Other withdrawals
- Finneas, Lukas Graham, Aaron Rowe and Beoga subsequently withdrew from the tour.
- Family criticism
- Jethro Sheeran called Ed Sheeran selfish, accused him of mocking his mental health and criticized his music.
- Stage change
- Sheeran removed the B-stage from the Philadelphia performance because of security concerns.
- Next performances
- Sheeran is scheduled to perform at Gillette Stadium on September 25 and 26.