Activists will storm Philly in protest to challenge Ed Sheeran

**Ed Sheeran’s Tour Faces Protest Over Macklemore Omission in Philadelphia**

Ed Sheeran’s September tour is set to draw a stand‑in outside the Lincoln Financial Center on Friday, September 19, after a pro‑Palestine coalition announced a protest over the rapper Macklemore’s removal from the lineup.

The Philly Palestine Coalition and Shut Down D&Z plan to gather in front of the venue to “show support for their cause” and to voice outrage at what they call a censorship of free speech.

The protest stems from an earlier decision to drop Macklemore after he made remarks about Palestine during two opening shows in New Jersey. The groups claim the artist was “booted” because his comments were deemed offensive by those running the tour.

They specifically target Ed Sheeran, accusing him of complicity in silencing a fellow musician.

Sheeran has stated that he did not decide to remove Macklemore. He said it was the tour promoter who made the call after several NFL owners, including Robert Kraft, refused to allow the rapper to perform at their stadiums.

Kraft cited “recent actions” and past remarks he deemed “deeply offensive” to the Jewish community as the reason for his objection.

## Background & Context

The controversy began when Macklemore opened for Ed Sheeran at two shows in New Jersey and made comments about Palestine. The artist’s remarks were described by the organizers as “deeply offensive” to the Jewish community. Consequently, Macklemore was dropped from subsequent dates on the tour.

Ed Sheeran clarified that he did not personally choose to remove Macklemore. He stated that the decision was made by the tour promoter after objections from NFL team owners, including Robert Kraft, who cited concerns over “recent actions” and past statements.

The promoters’ stance was influenced by several stadiums were unwilling to host Macklemore.

The Philly Palestine Coalition released a flyer for the protest that read, “Billionaires, Zionists & Warmongers out of Philly,” to underline their grievances against what they see as a double standard. They also pointed to the tour’s cancellation of Macklemore as an example of silencing dissenting voices.

## Protest Plans and Reactions

The two groups urge Philadelphia residents to attend the protest on September 19 outside the Lincoln Financial Center. Their message is clear: they want to highlight what they view as an unjust exclusion of a voice that speaks about Palestine. They expect a sizable turnout from supporters of free expression and human rights.

Ed Sheeran’s statement indicates he had no influence over the removal decision, a claim that counters the protestors’ allegations of complicity. The groups, however, see the broader issue as an attack on artists who discuss political matters.

Their call for a demonstration seeks to bring public attention to the perceived censorship on the tour.

The protest is set for this weekend, and organizers are preparing to mobilize supporters for a high‑visibility demonstration in front of one of the city’s most prominent concert venues. The event will coincide with Sheeran’s scheduled performance, making it a point of contention for both fans and critics alike.

In closing, the upcoming protest underscores the tension between artistic freedom and commercial interests in large‑scale tours. Whether the demonstration will sway public opinion remains to be seen, but it already signals a growing pushback against perceived censorship in entertainment.