Ed Sheeran addresses Macklemore controversy during Philadelphia concert

Pennsylvania, USA, September 20, 2026 — Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States, September 19, 2026 — Ed Sheeran addressed the controversy surrounding Macklemore’s removal from his tour during a concert in Philadelphia on Saturday, saying he had made “mistakes” while navigating difficult decisions.

Speaking from the stage at Lincoln Financial Field, Sheeran said he had never intended to be an activist musician but had been drawn into a debate over free speech and the Israel-Palestine conflict, according to the BBC.

“I never wanted to be an activist musician, but this has put me in the middle of an important and passionate argument about free speech and the most complex political issue on the planet,” Sheeran said, according to the British broadcaster.

The Philadelphia performance was Sheeran’s first show since Macklemore said he had been removed as an opening act after saying “Free Palestine” during a September 4 concert at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Other supporting acts on the tour subsequently withdrew in solidarity with Macklemore.

Some concertgoers interviewed by Reuters before Sheeran’s performance said the controversy had not changed their support for either artist.

Joy VanRuler, a 55-year-old teacher from Pottstown, Pennsylvania, said she supports both Sheeran and Macklemore.

“It doesn’t need to be political,” VanRuler said outside the stadium. “It’s about the music, and we support both of them and it’s all good.”

Javier Hernandez, a 62-year-old designer from Allentown, Pennsylvania, said Macklemore should not have brought politics into the performance.

“Macklemore shouldn’t have talked about politics,” Hernandez said. “It gives the people an opportunity to raise their voices and just make a mess of the whole situation. He should have just left it alone.”

Dozens of pro-Palestinian protesters also gathered about half a mile from Lincoln Financial Field before the concert. Organizers said they wanted to speak with people about conditions in Gaza and highlight local organizations advocating for Palestinians.