British singer Ed Sheeran is expected to perform on Saturday at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, despite growing criticism surrounding the removal of rapper Macklemore from his US tour over his support for Palestine.
The controversy began after Macklemore said “Free Palestine” during a performance in New Jersey on September 5. He was subsequently dropped from Sheeran’s tour, a decision that sparked backlash from Palestinian advocacy groups, artists and members of the public.
Several opening acts have since withdrawn from Sheeran’s tour in solidarity with Macklemore and Palestinians in Gaza. Finneas, the brother and collaborator of Billie Eilish, announced his withdrawal earlier this week, while Danish band Lukas Graham and Irish singer Aaron Rowe also said they would no longer perform on the tour.
As a result, Sheeran may perform without opening acts at Saturday’s concert.
The Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel (PACBI) has called for a boycott of Sheeran’s world tour, including upcoming dates in Latin America and a planned European leg.
A pro-Palestinian rally is also scheduled to take place near the concert venue before the show.
Meanwhile, artists in Gaza have painted a mural dedicated to Macklemore on the rubble of a destroyed building in Gaza City. The mural carries a message thanking the rapper for speaking out in support of Palestine.
Macklemore was removed from Sheeran’s tour after his comments supporting Palestine. Sheeran has denied responsibility for the decision and said he is “not complicit” in the controversy.
Despite the backlash, Saturday’s concert is expected to go ahead as scheduled.
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