Talk about an uncomfortable welcome!
Ed Sheeran fans arriving at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia for his concert on Saturday night were greeted by pro-Palestine protesters angry over Macklemore being removed from Ed’s tour. According to media outlets including FreedomNews, who was on scene last night, one protester used a megaphone to shout, “F**k your concert, f**k your fans. Palestine is our demand.” Meanwhile, other demonstrators were seen chanting “Free Palestine” near the subway stop.
Related: Ed Sheeran Breaks Silence Amid Controversy After Macklemore Gets Booted
The Philly Palestine Coalition and Shut Down D&Z had already announced plans to picket the concert, criticizing Macklemore’s removal and posting, “Billionaires, Zionists & Warmongers out of Philly.”
???????? Protester confronts concertgoers outside Ed Sheeran’s Philadelphia show
As fans stream into the venue, one protester makes an emotional case for why they showed up, and why they want Ed’s audience to hear them.
But will these concert goers actually care when they already…
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) September 19, 2026
The controversy has also reportedly hit ticket demand. According to TMZ late on Saturday, resale prices to Ed’s show dropped in the days before the show, with hundreds of tickets still available Saturday morning. Some ticket holders reportedly struggled to obtain refunds or resell their seats, too. Ouch!
Then, a big update from DURING the show! Ed actually got emotional in an apology-response from the stage!
During Saturday night’s concert, Sheeran apologized to fans and addressed the uproar surrounding Macklemore’s departure. Per TMZ, he said:
“I don’t want to disappoint fans, and I’ve never wanted to be an activist musician, but this has put me in the middle of an important and passionate argument about freedom of speech and the most complex political issue on the planet. My concerts have always been a safe space for everyone, and that matters hugely to me. Honoring my commitment to my fans is also completely essential to who I am, and that is why I’m here tonight on my own and continuing my current tour.”
BTW, Ed even went a little bit further with his comments during the show. He also described the October 7 attack on Israel as “horrific” while then also calling Israel’s subsequent response “unjustifiable” and “disproportionate.”
Related: Macklemore Pledges $1 Million To Palestine Relief, Asks Robert Kraft To Match It
Of course, as we’ve been reporting, this was Ed’s first concert since Macklemore was dropped from the tour following controversy over his pro-Palestine comments. The other opening acts also quit in solidarity, leaving Sheeran as the sole performer.
In the meantime, Macklemore has alleged that NFL owner Robert Kraft pressured Ed to remove him because of his comments. Sheeran, however, has said he did not make the final decision, while Kraft has said Macklemore performing at the stadium would cross a line.
Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Police Department told TMZ last night that “appropriate measures” were taken to keep everyone safe during picketing, protesting, and concert-going.
Quite the way to kick off a concert…
[Image via MEGA/Mario Mitsis/WENN]
