Ed Sheeran Returns After Macklemore Cut
Sheeran's tour resumed amid protests after Macklemore was dropped over Gaza comments.
September 19, 2026 · Updated Sep 19, 9:12pm ET
Los Angeles TimesCommentary: Efforts to silence 'NAZA' filmmakers and Macklemore only amplifies their work
VarietyEd Sheeran Addresses Macklemore Controversy While on Stage at First Concert Since Rapper Dropped From Tour: ‘What Is Happening in Gaza Is Catastrophic and Unjustifiable’
FOX NewsEd Sheeran apologizes for Macklemore backlash, encourages unity at first concert since fallout
The GuardianEd Sheeran thought fans didn’t want artists to be politically engaged. He’s finding out how wrong he was | Jason Okundaye
DeadlineAaron Rowe Defends Ed Sheeran: "Human F*cking Error"
New York PostEd Sheeran weeps on stage, says Israel’s actions in Gaza ‘unjustifiable’ in emotional first speech since Macklemore fiasco
CNNEd Sheeran says ‘heart is broken’ over devastation in the Middle East during Philadelphia concert
BBC NewsEd Sheeran and Macklemore: How a tour spiraled into controversy
Washington TimesBill Maher revives Macklemore’s 2014 nose costume amid Sheeran fallout
Al JazeeraEd Sheeran concert set to go ahead after outcry over Gaza
ABC NewsEd Sheeran is set to return to stage for 1st time since Macklemore was cut and other acts withdrew
Breitbart NewsEd Sheeran Readies His Return to Stage for 1st Time Since Macklemore Was Cut and Other Acts Withdrew
Rolling StoneEd Sheeran Breaks Silence on Israel-Gaza at First Show Amid Tour Controversy: 'I Cannot Hide How I Feel About It Anymore'
Associated PressEd Sheeran says situation in Gaza is 'catastrophic and unjustifiable' as he opens solo concert
NBC NewsEd Sheeran calls situation in Gaza ‘unjustifiable’ in first concert since Macklemore controversy
Wall Street JournalDefiant Ed Sheeran Fans Show Up for the Music—Not Controversy—as Tour Resumes With No Billed Openers
USA TODAYEd Sheeran speaks out in Philly, says controversy 'put me in the middle'
FortuneBefore getting dropped by Ed Sheeran, Macklemore had long supported Palestinians, and his latest gift catalyzed YouTube star Ms. Rachel to donate
ForbesProtestors Expected At Ed Sheeran’s First Concert Since Macklemore Palestine Controversy
24%
Left · 6
56%
Center · 14
20%
Right · 5
Pano rates the coverage Balanced.
What happened
Ed Sheeran
Ed SheeranEnglish singer-songwriter (born 1991) went ahead with his Philadelphia concert as the first show since Macklemore
MacklemoreAmerican rapper (born 1983) was removed from the U.S. leg. The remaining billed openers, including Lukas Graham
Lukas GrahamDanish band, Aaron RoweAaron RoweIrish singer-songwriter, Finneas and Sheeran’s backing band Beoga, quit in solidarity, leaving him without support acts. Macklemore was dropped after saying “Free Palestine” and performing a pro-Palestinian song at MetLife Stadium, drawing backlash from Jewish and pro-Israel groups. Sheeran said the removal was the promoter’s call, while Macklemore said Robert Kraft and venue owners pushed for it. Before singing, Sheeran apologized and described Gaza as catastrophic. The tour now continues without clear replacements.
How the left told it
Left-leaning outlets cast Sheeran as a pop star pulled into a political fight he had tried to avoid. The Guardian framed him as “dragged into” a culture-war dispute while trying to keep concerts safe and unifying. The Los Angeles Times treated Macklemore’s removal as an attempted silencing that amplified pro-Palestinian attention. The Guardian also saw the dispute as a music-industry split over staying apolitical.
How the right told it
Right-leaning outlets centered the dispute on Macklemore’s rhetoric and Sheeran’s effort to keep the stage focused on unity. The New York Post described Macklemore’s conduct as anti-Israel “tirades,” not ordinary political speech. Fox News emphasized Sheeran’s emotional apology and his plea to keep shows about humanity. The New York Post lingered on the Philadelphia protesters as a small, loud anti-Israel crowd.
Ed Sheeran Tour Turmoil
Part of the storyline · Storyline →- Sep 24Macklemore Announces Free Palestine TourBalanced
- Sep 20Ed Sheeran Condemns GazaBalanced
- Sep 19Ed Sheeran Returns After Macklemore Cut (this story)Balanced
- Sep 17Macklemore Removal Roils Ed Sheeran TourLeans Right
- Sep 16Ed Sheeran Tour Drops MacklemoreLeans Left
