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PHILADELPHIA — Ed Sheeran was overcome with emotion as he apologized to fans during his return to the stage Saturday following backlash after Macklemore was dropped from his tour.
"I’m not surprised that this week’s criticism was about something much more important," Sheeran said upon opening his show at Lincoln Financial Field. "I’ve had to take and make difficult decisions, and I am making mistakes. I’m so, so sorry. I don’t want to disappoint fans.
"I want my music and shows to be about unity, not division; about humanity, not politics."
TAYLOR SWIFT QUIET AS FRIEND ED SHEERAN TAKES HEAT OVER MACKLEMORE'S 'FREE PALESTINE' CONCERT FIASCO
Pro-Palestinian protesters descended upon Lincoln Financial Field waving Palestinian flags and chanting "Free Palestine," one week after Macklemore was dropped from Sheeran's tour.
Macklemore, who's full name is Ben Haggerty, was kicked off Sheeran's Loop Tour following criticism from his "Free Palestine" messaging during his opening act at MetLife Stadium last weekend.
Demonstrators at an Ed Sheeran concert in Philadelphia Sept. 19, 2026. (Leigh Green for Fox News Digital)
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Sheeran addressed Macklemore’s removal from his U.S. tour Tuesday, saying the rapper’s departure was ultimately a decision made by the concert promoter and venues — not by him.
The "Shape of You" singer said he was "appalled" by the conflict between Israel and Palestine and described the suffering on both sides as "a human tragedy," according to a lengthy statement shared on Instagram after Macklemore accused Sheeran and tour organizers of sidelining him over his pro-Palestinian remarks.
MACKLEMORE'S LONG HISTORY OF CONTROVERSY FROM GRAMMY WINS TO ‘FREE PALESTINE’ CONCERT REMARKS
A demonstrator carried a "Free Palestine" sign outside Ed Sheeran's concert Saturday. (Leigh Green for Fox News Digital)
Pro-Palestinian groups have planned protests at Sheeran's concert in Philadelphia. (Earl Gibson III/Deadline via Getty Images)
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A demonstrator carried a megaphone Saturday outside Ed Sheeran's Philadelphia concert. (Leigh Green for Fox News Digital)
Macklemore performs during Ed Sheeran’s concert at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. (Fox News Digital)
On Monday, Macklemore claimed that Sheeran told him Robert Kraft, the owner of the New England Patriots and Gillette Stadium, had rallied other stadium owners to oppose allowing the rapper to perform.
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The venues allegedly gave Sheeran an ultimatum: "If Macklemore stays on the tour, you will not be allowed to play in our venues."
Tracy Wright is an entertainment reporter for Fox News Digital. Send story tips to [email protected].
