# Ed Sheeran's Philly apology after Macklemore ouster

> Ed Sheeran tearfully apologizes for censorship controversy after Macklemore was removed from his tour
- Title: Ed Sheeran's Philly apology after Macklemore ouster | Shortify
- Summary: Ed Sheeran tearfully apologizes for censorship controversy after Macklemore was removed from his tour Sheeran admitted his tour faced venue censorship of…
- Keywords: ed sheeran, macklemore, loop tour, philadelphia, lincoln financial field, palestine, free palestine, robert kraft, gillette stadium, concert, protest, free speech
- Source: PhillyVoice — https://phillyvoice.com/ed-sheeran-scandal-palestine-protesters-tearful-apology-philadelphia
- Published: 2026-09-21T18:54:56.432+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: ed sheeran, macklemore, loop tour, philadelphia, lincoln financial field, palestine, free palestine, robert kraft, gillette stadium, concert, protest, free speech
## Macklemore removed from tour
Macklemore was dropped from Ed Sheeran's Loop Tour after venues refused to allow Palestinian solidarity messages

> Ed told me that Kraft said I would not be allowed to perform in his stadium
## Sheeran's Philly apology
Sheeran admitted to making mistakes handling the Israeli-Palestinian conflict controversy at his Philadelphia concert

> I'm so, so sorry
## Venues cited censorship
Tour venues required Sheeran to remove Macklemore's pro-Palestine message from his tour

> This happens in so many places that I perform around the world
## Kraft's $4 million pledge
Robert Kraft pledged $4 million to aid Palestinians amid the conflict

> Ed told me that Kraft said I would not be allowed to perform in his stadium
## Sheeran's stance on Gaza
Sheeran called the Hamas attack on Oct 7, 2023 'horrific' and Israeli military actions 'catastrophic and unjustifiable'

> My heart has been broken by the scale of devastation and loss of civilians' lives
## Protesters planned action
Pro-Palestine groups planned protests outside Philadelphia stadium to support Palestinian solidarity

> The people of Philadelphia are outraged by the blatant silencing of solidarity with Palestinians
## Sheeran's concert changes
Sheeran's Philadelphia show started late and had no opening acts after Macklemore's removal

> The last week of my life has been one of the worst weeks of my life
## Sheeran's unity message
Sheeran emphasized his concerts should be places of unity and welcome for all audiences

> I am already speaking to people across the spectrum to work out how to make a contribution
## Sheeran's safety concerns
Sheeran removed part of his stage to prevent audience throwing objects

> I don't want to disappoint fans and I've never wanted to be an activist musician
## Macklemore's social media
Macklemore stated Sheeran removed him from tour after venue censorship concerns

> Ed told me that Kraft said I would not be allowed to perform in his stadium
## Sheeran's tour impact
Sheeran's tour faced backlash after venues censored pro-Palestine messages

> This has put me in the middle of an important and passionate argument about freedom of speech
## Sheeran's emotional appeal
Sheeran broke down in tears during Philadelphia concert after apology

> Tonight has been, honestly, the best show of my life
## Key takeaway

Sheeran admitted his tour faced venue censorship of Palestinian solidarity messages