Protesters Prepare For Ed Sheeran Concert As Palestinians Praise Macklemore

Activists plan to protest Ed Sheeran’s concert at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia on Saturday night, linking Sheeran’s decision to drop rapper Macklemore from the tour to support from wealthy stadium owners backing Israel. The Philly Palestine Coalition and Shut Down D&Z say they will gather outside the Eagles’ stadium at 4:30 p.m. ET before the 8 p.m. show. Earlier this month, Macklemore delivered pro-Palestine remarks during MetLife Stadium dates, then was removed at the request of New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, who also barred him from Gillette Stadium. Sheeran said the promoter made the call; all other openers and his backing band quit. Protesters face a separate gesture from Gaza, where a mural praised Macklemore. Ticket prices reportedly fell nearly 50%.