Ed Sheeran's Concert Continues Amid Gaza Controversy
WHO:
Al Jazeera - Ed Sheeran is the main artist involved in the concert.
Al Jazeera - Macklemore was an opening act who was expelled from the tour.
Al Jazeera - Finneas, Lukas Graham, and Aaron Rowe were also scheduled to perform but dropped out.
Al Jazeera - The Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel (PACBI) is advocating for a boycott of the tour.
Al Jazeera - Anne Redwan and Qusai al-Helo are artists in Gaza who painted a mural in support of Macklemore.
WHAT:
Al Jazeera - The Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel (PACBI) has called for a boycott of Ed Sheeran's entire world tour, including upcoming Latin American dates and an as-yet-unannounced European leg.
Al Jazeera - A mural of Macklemore in a Palestinian flag was painted in the rubble of Gaza City, with the message “Thank you for using your voice for Palestine.”
Al Jazeera - Ed Sheeran is expected to perform solo at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.
Al Jazeera - A pro-Palestinian rally is scheduled near the concert venue before the show.
Al Jazeera - Macklemore was dropped from Sheeran’s tour after saying “free Palestine” during a show.
Al Jazeera - Sheeran stated he is “not complicit” in the decision to expel Macklemore.
WHERE:
Al Jazeera - The concert is set to take place at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.
Al Jazeera - The mural of Macklemore is located in Gaza City.
WHEN:
Al Jazeera - The concert is scheduled for Saturday.
Al Jazeera - Macklemore made his comments on September 5.
WHY:
Al Jazeera - The expulsion of Macklemore has led to a significant shift in public opinion regarding support for Palestine in the U.S., with support for Israel reportedly at its lowest levels on record, particularly among political progressives and Democratic voters.
Al Jazeera - The expulsion of Macklemore was due to his comments supporting Palestine, which led to backlash and the withdrawal of other opening acts.
Al Jazeera - Palestinian advocacy groups claim Sheeran is complicit in stifling criticism of Israel.
HOW:
Al Jazeera - The effort to expel Macklemore backfired, highlighting changing dynamics around support for Palestine in the U.S.
Al Jazeera - The decision to expel Macklemore was influenced by pro-Israel billionaire Robert Kraft, who pushed for the rapper's removal.
(UPDATED September 19, 2026 20:56 UTC)
The Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel, or PACBI, has called for a boycott of Ed Sheeran's entire world tour, which includes upcoming Latin American dates and a yet-to-be-announced European leg. In Gaza City, a mural of Macklemore painted in a Palestinian flag expresses gratitude for his vocal support for Palestine, as public opinion in the U.S. shifts dramatically, with support for Israel reportedly at its lowest levels among political progressives and Democratic voters. The backlash against the effort to expel Macklemore has underscored these changing dynamics surrounding support for Palestine in the United States.
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(UPDATED September 19, 2026 19:58 UTC)
Ed Sheeran is set to perform solo at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia this Saturday, following the expulsion of Macklemore from the tour after he expressed support for Palestine during a show on September 5. The Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel is advocating for a boycott of the concert, while a pro-Palestinian rally is planned near the venue before the performance. In Gaza City, artists Anne Redwan and Qusai al-Helo have painted a mural in support of Macklemore, highlighting the ongoing tensions surrounding the event.