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Ed Sheeran hires ‘small army’ ahead of latest gig as Macklemore fallout continues
Ed Sheeran is set to have a major police and security presence at his next concert after the dramatic fallout involving former tour support act Macklemore and a series of pro-Palestinian protests.
The 35-year-old singer is due to perform at Philadelphia's Lincoln Financial Field on Saturday, where demonstrations connected Israel and Palestine are largely anticipated, with Philadelphia police confirming that a 'sizeable' number of officers will be deployed around the stadium.
Police release statement ahead of concert
A police spokesperson told TMZ: “Our officers are talking to his team to make sure all appropriate measures are taken.”
The security operation is expected to include officers both inside and outside the venue, while concertgoers will be required to pass through metal detectors and some may be subject to pat-down searches conducted by security officials.
Police said there have been no specific threats against Sheeran at this stage, although officers will continue to assess what remains a fluid situation.
The increased security comes just days after Macklemore announced he would no longer support on Sheeran's Loop tour, despite the pair’s longstanding friendship.
The original controversy around Macklemore
The singer sparked controversy when he delivered a pro-Palestinian speech during a concert in New Jersey earlier this month, telling the crowd he wanted people in Gaza and 'the occupied West Bank' to know they had not been forgotten.
He subsequently performed his protest track Hind's Hall, which criticizes Israel's military campaign in Gaza and was dedicated to pro-Palestinian protesters at Columbia University, accompanied by images displaying the devastation in Gaza on stage.
Macklemore explained that speaking about the war was one of the reasons he had agreed to join Sheeran's tour in the first place.
“So I could stand up in stadiums like this and say two words that are very near and dear to my heart: Free Palestine.”
He continued: “I said, ‘Free Palestine!’ I want those words to be loud and clear, so that people all the way in Gaza to the occupied West Bank know that we have not forgotten about them.”
At a second MetLife Stadium show, Macklemore addressed Jewish audience members directly, arguing that criticism of the Israeli government should not be interpreted as criticism of Jewish people.
“Criticism of Israel, criticism of apartheid, being against genocide in no way is a criticism of you.
"My message is for peace, love; for all human beings to be treated with dignity, respect and equality,” he stated.
Following Macklemore’s demonstrations against the genocide, the Israeli-American Council launched a petition calling for him to be removed from the remaining shows, with the organization accusing the rapper of using an international concert tour to 'advance a one-sided political agenda'.
“This was an Ed Sheeran concert - not a political rally, not a protest, and not an activist event,” the petition stated.
Macklemore subsequently posted footage of himself delivering his 'Free Palestine' message and reiterated that his criticism was not aimed at Jewish people.
“Wanting all humans to be treated equal should never be controversial,” he wrote.
On September 14, Macklemore confirmed that he would withdraw from the remaining Loop tour dates, with the tour’s four remaining support acts also announcing their withdrawals in solidarity with the singer and Palestine.
In a lengthy statement, he acknowledged his friendship with Sheeran but said that relationship did not prevent him from speaking about what he believed had happened.
“It can’t change my responsibility to tell the truth about what happened,” Macklemore wrote.
The rapper alleged that billionaire Robert Kraft, owner of Gillette Stadium, had organized opposition to his continued involvement and that other stadium owners subsequently backed an ultimatum.
According to Macklemore, Sheeran was told: “If Macklemore stays on the tour, you will not be allowed to play in our venues”.
He also acknowledged the difficult position he believed Sheeran had been placed in.
“Ed was in a f****** up position,” Macklemore wrote.
“He knew it. His typical apolitical stance was being challenged in a way it had never been before.”