Pro-Palestinian Protest Targets Sheeran Concert, Contest
Pro-Palestinian Protest Targets Sheeran Concert, Contest
Anonymous
Key Points
1
Macklemore’s performances at Sheeran’s MetLife Stadium shows included his pro-Palestinian song “Hind’s Hall,” footage from Gaza and a call for a cease-fire, context that preceded his removal from the tour.
2
The Philadelphia protest coalition included No ICE Philly and the Philadelphia Students for Justice in Palestine Coalition, in addition to Shut Down D&Z and Writers Against the War on Gaza.
3
Actress Melissa Barrera said she became emotional seeing Finneas and the other opening acts withdraw in support of Macklemore, contrasting their response with the lack of public support she experienced after being fired from the “Scream” franchise over her pro-Palestinian stance.
4
Resale ticket prices for Sheeran’s Philadelphia performance had fallen sharply, with hundreds of tickets still available online on the morning of the concert.
Around 100 pro-Palestinian protesters gathered outside Ed Sheeran's Philadelphia concert at Lincoln Financial Field, chanting slogans and criticizing the singer's tour CBS News. The demonstration came after Macklemore was removed from the LOOP Tour for performing songs about Gaza and calling for a cease-fire at earlier shows Daily Mail.
Five opening acts withdrew in solidarity with Macklemore, including producer Finneas and singers Lukas Graham and Aaron Rowe Yahoo News. Guitar Center also removed pro-Palestinian contest submissions from its "Open for Legends" competition to pick an opener for Sheeran's Mexico City show Daily Mail.
What Macklemore Did to Get Removed
At MetLife Stadium shows, Macklemore performed his pro-Palestinian song "Hind's Hall" and displayed Gaza footage while calling for a cease-fire Daily Mail. Sheeran said the removal was the promoter's decision, not his own. The song and images sparked the controversy that led to Macklemore's exit from the tour.
Opening Acts Withdraw in Support of Macklemore
Finneas, Myles Smith, Aaron Rowe, Lukas Graham, and Beoga all pulled out of remaining tour dates to stand with Macklemore Yahoo News. Actress Melissa Barrera said she was moved by their decision. She noted that when she was fired from "Scream" for pro-Palestinian posts, few public figures spoke up for her.
Philadelphia Coalition Organizes Coordinated Protest
The protest was organized by No ICE Philly, the Philadelphia Students for Justice in Palestine Coalition, Shut Down D&Z, and Writers Against the War on Gaza Yahoo News. Organizers said the demonstration aimed to advocate for Palestinian lives. Protesters urged Sheeran to acknowledge the conflict and support Palestinian freedom.
Guitar Center Filters Contest Entries for Political Content
Guitar Center removed or excluded pro-Palestinian messages and memes from its "Open for Legends" contest to select an opening act for Sheeran's December Mexico City concert Daily Mail. The company said the competition was developed months earlier. It stated that illegitimate entries would not be considered for selection.
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