NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
Ed Sheeran fans were met with backlash Saturday in Philadelphia, ahead of his return to the stage following the dramatic fallout of his entire slate of opening acts.
Pro-Palestinian protesters descended upon Lincoln Financial Field waving Palestinian flags and chanting “Free Palestine,” one week after Macklemore was dropped from Sheeran’s tour.
Macklemore, who’s full name is Ben Haggerty, was kicked off Sheeran’s Loop Tour following criticism from his “Free Palestine” messaging during his opening act at MetLife Stadium last weekend.
TAYLOR SWIFT QUIET AS FRIEND ED SHEERAN TAKES HEAT OVER MACKLEMORE’S ‘FREE PALESTINE’ CONCERT FIASCO
Pro-Palestinian protesters demonstrate near Lincoln Financial Field ahead of Ed Sheeran’s concert in Philadelphia on Saturday, following the removal of rapper Macklemore from Sheeran’s U.S. tour. (Matthew Hatcher / AFP)
GET ENTERTAINMENT SCOOP DELIVERED RIGHT TO YOUR EMAIL BY CLICKING HERE
Ed Sheeran addressed Macklemore’s removal from his U.S. tour Tuesday, saying the rapper’s departure was ultimately a decision made by the concert promoter and venues — not by him.
The “Shape of You” singer said he was “appalled” by the conflict between Israel and Palestine and described the suffering on both sides as “a human tragedy,” according to a lengthy statement shared on Instagram after Macklemore accused Sheeran and tour organizers of sidelining him over his pro-Palestinian remarks.
MACKLEMORE’S LONG HISTORY OF CONTROVERSY FROM GRAMMY WINS TO ‘FREE PALESTINE’ CONCERT REMARKS
Pro-Palestinian groups have planned protests at Sheeran’s concert in Philadelphia. (Earl Gibson III/Deadline via Getty Images)
On Monday, Macklemore claimed that Sheeran told him Robert Kraft, the owner of the New England Patriots and Gillette Stadium, had rallied other stadium owners to oppose allowing the rapper to perform.
LIKE WHAT YOU’RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS
A police car passes pro-Palestinian protesters as they demonstrate near Lincoln Financial Field ahead of Ed Sheeran’s concert. (Matthew Hatcher / AFP)
On Monday, Macklemore claimed that Sheeran told him Robert Kraft, the owner of the New England Patriots and Gillette Stadium, had rallied other stadium owners to oppose allowing the rapper to perform.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
The venues allegedly gave Sheeran an ultimatum: “If Macklemore stays on the tour, you will not be allowed to play in our venues.”