NEW YORK: Protesters and police greeted concertgoers in Philadelphia on Saturday for pop superstar Ed Sheeran’s first show since he became embroiled in controversy set off by his opening act’s pro-Palestinian comments.

Rapper Macklemore was booted from Sheeran’s US Loop Tour on Monday after the owners of stadiums hosting upcoming shows objected to his shouting “Free Palestine” onstage in New Jersey earlier this month.

Sheeran has denied being behind the decision to remove Macklemore, saying his tour’s promoter was responsible.

But four supporting acts soon quit the “Shape of You” singer’s tour. They included Sheeran’s backing band as well as performer Finneas, who rose to fame collaborating with his pop superstar sister Billie Eilish. At a time when a growing number of artists are speaking out against the Israeli invasion of Gaza and settler violence in occupied West Bank, the 35-year-old British performer has maintained his apolitical stance.

“I am not complicit. I have my personal views on this devastating conflict. Just because I choose not to speak publicly, it doesn’t mean I don’t have them, and it doesn’t mean I don’t care,” he said on Instagram.

However, he said, “those who come to my shows do not expect a political forum”. The former busker-turned-superstar, accused by critics of failing to stand up to the stadium owners, has been targeted by boycott calls over the controversy.

Published in Dawn, September 20th, 2026