Chanting demonstrators have confronted concertgoers in Philadelphia outside pop star Ed Sheeran's first show since his US tour was plunged into crisis following the dismissal of opening act Macklemore over pro-Palestinian remarks.
Rapper Macklemore was removed from the Loop Tour on Monday after venue owners—led by billionaire Robert Kraft—objected to him shouting "Free Palestine" on stage in New Jersey.
Sheeran, 35, denied involvement in the decision, blaming tour promoters.
Later, the pop icon kicked off the stage by saying what's happening in Gaza is "unjustifiable."
"What is happening in Gaza is catastrophic and unjustifiable and disproportionate," he said as he opened his show in Philadelphia.
"I've had to take and make difficult decisions, and I am making mistakes, and I'm so so sorry," Sheeran said.
Four scheduled supporting acts subsequently walked out, including his backing band and award-winning artist Finneas, Billie Eilish's brother and collaborator.
Dozens of pro-Palestinian demonstrators rallied outside Lincoln Financial Field on Saturday, waving flags and chanting "Free, free Palestine", as police monitored the peaceful gathering from a distance.
Boycott demands
On Saturday, the Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel (PACBI) broadened its campaign: "We now extend our call for boycotting Ed Sheeran's entire world tour, including the upcoming Latin American dates, and the as-yet-unannounced European leg."
With no replacement opening acts or backing musicians announced, Sheeran faced performing solo.
The controversy reflects broader scrutiny across the entertainment sector since Israel's genocide in Gaza began in October 2023.
Israel has killed over 73,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and wounded more than 174,000 others in its genocide in Gaza since October 2023.
Experts contend that the actual death toll significantly exceeds what the Gaza authorities have reported, estimating it could be around 200,000.
Israel has reduced most of the blockaded enclave to ruins and displaced the entire population. It continues to occupy 60 percent of Gaza.
A ceasefire took place in October of 2025. Still, Israel has continued to violate it daily, killing nearly 1,400 Palestinians and wounding 4,800 others, making it a one-sided truce.
