Ed Sheeran addresses Macklemore controversy at first concert since rapper was dropped from tour
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA: Ed Sheeran made sure to address the controversy surrounding rapper Macklemore’s removal from his ‘Loop’ tour. On Saturday, September 19, 'Shape of You' shared his thoughts and was seen getting emotional while reading from the prompter.
Sheeran made sure not to inject any political angle into his first concert at Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field since the rapper was dropped from the trek. He shared that he is used to having his music 'criticized'.
Ed Sheeran finally speaks about dropout of Macklemore from tour
Sheeran made sure to address the negative impact surrounding the controversy. The ‘Perfect’ singer shared, “Before I play some songs tonight, I hope it’s okay if I say a few words about this last week,” Sheeran said.
“I’m used to my music being criticized, and I’m always happy to take that because I’m lucky. A lot of you like my stuff, and to be honest, I’m surprised. I’m not surprised that I’ve even done it. You know, it’s normal,” he added.
“But this week, the criticism was about something much more important, and I’ve had to take and make difficult decisions, and I am making mistakes, and I’m so, so sorry,” he continued.
Ed Sheeran addresses backlash at his first show back since Macklemore was dropped from the tour over his pro-Palestine stance. pic.twitter.com/4bkHVaIcLf
— Pop Base (@PopBase) September 20, 2026
He made sure to add, “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.”
Sharing his concern, he said, “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.”
Macklemore was removed from the remaining dates following onstage remarks in support of Palestinians during Sheeran’s September 4 and 5 shows at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Sheeran also shared an Instagram post regarding the conflict.
How did the Ed Sheeran-Macklemore controversy begin
While performing as the opening act for Sheeran in New Jersey, the rapper said, “A big part of the reason why I wanted to do this tour in the first place is so that I could stand up in stadiums like this and say two words that are very, very dear to my heart: Free Palestine.”
The rapper also performed a song dedicated to pro-Palestinian protests, according to Variety. Following the performance, the rapper shared a post on Instagram stating that stadium owner Robert Kraft had called Sheeran. “Ed told me that Kraft said I would not be allowed to perform in his stadium,” he wrote.
According to the publication, concert promoter Messina Touring Group said the rapper was dropped because some venues would cancel Sheeran’s planned concerts if the rapper remained on the tour.
