Protesters call for ‘free Palestine’ ahead of Ed Sheeran’s first concert without opening acts, tell me about this news in (https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/ed-sheeran-philadelphia-concert-macklemore-israel-palestinians-rcna598354)

This news centers on the controversy surrounding Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour stop at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, where he was scheduled to perform without any opening acts amid planned pro-Palestinian demonstrations outside the venue.

What Happened

• Macklemore Ousted from Tour: During an early September concert at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, rapper Macklemore shouted “Free Palestine!” while performing his protest track “Hind’s Hall” and spoke in support of people in Gaza and the West Bank. Following backlashincluding pressure from stadium owners such as New England Patriots and Gillette Stadium owner Robert Krafttour promoter Messina Touring Group dropped Macklemore from the remaining U.S. tour dates.

• Ed Sheeran’s Response: Sheeran stated on social media that removing Macklemore was the promoter’s and venues’ decision rather than his own, noting that he sought to avoid politics and wanted to protect the tour crew and remaining dates.

• Supporting Acts Withdraw: In response to Macklemore’s removal and Sheeran’s neutral stance, all of Sheeran’s supporting acts and collaborators abruptly pulled out in solidarity with Macklemore and Palestinians. These included scheduled replacements Lukas Graham and Irish singer Aaron Rowe, the Irish folk band Beoga (who performed songs with Sheeran during his main set), and Finneas (scheduled for upcoming Latin American dates).

• The Philadelphia Concert & Protests: With all supporting acts having quit, Sheeran was left to perform his Philadelphia show entirely solo. Ahead of the concert, a coalition of pro-Palestinian organizations mobilized outside the stadium, chanting “Free Palestine” and demonstrating against the silencing of artists who speak out on the conflict.