Ed Sheeran Says He’s Lost Family Over Macklemore Controversy
During a September 19 concert in Philadelphia, Ed Sheeran broke down onstage, saying he feels abandoned by family and friends after the controversy surrounding rapper Macklemore’s removal from his Loop Tour. He defended his decision to keep the show running and praised the audience’s support, while…
By Felo News Desk · Published
On September 19, Ed Sheeran performed at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, but the night was anything but a routine concert. The singer, 35, broke down in tears onstage, telling the crowd he feels abandoned by family and close friends after the controversy that saw rapper Macklemore removed from his Loop Tour for a pro‑Palestine statement.
What Happened
Sheeran’s opening acts and his own backing band all quit the tour in solidarity with Macklemore. The decision to drop the rapper was reportedly made by stadium owners who feared backlash from pro‑Palestinian protestors. Sheeran, who had been scheduled to perform at the same venue, found himself at the center of a storm of criticism and support.
The Singer’s Emotional Response
During the show, Sheeran sat cross‑legged onstage and spoke to the audience about the week’s turmoil. He said, “In these situations you really find out who your friends are. It’s been a weird week.” He added that people who had known him for years were backing away, and that he felt his family was abandoning him. The singer’s cousin, Jethro Sheeran, publicly criticized him on Instagram, calling him a “shady” and “coward” figure.
Despite the emotional outburst, Sheeran emphasized that he was performing for his fans. He told the crowd, “I look at the end of the week and I see 50,000 people who haven’t abandoned me.” He described the concert as the best show of his life, even as he admitted it was one of the worst weeks he had experienced.
Security Measures and the Bigger Picture
Sheeran had taken extra security precautions, removing a stage that would have put him in the middle of the crowd out of fear that people might throw objects at him. He said he usually performs on a B stage but had to adapt for safety reasons.
Meanwhile, Macklemore, 43, donated the $1 million he earned from the Loop Tour to Palestinian relief efforts and called on billionaire Robert Kraft, owner of the New England Patriots and Gillette Stadium, to match his donation. Kraft responded with a $2 million contribution, stating his commitment to protecting all lives.
What’s Next?
Sheeran’s next tour dates are set for September 25 and 26 at Gillette Stadium, where he will continue to face a divided audience. The controversy remains unresolved, with some fans calling for a cancellation and others urging the singer to stand by his decision. The broader debate over free speech, political expression in music, and the responsibilities of artists and venues continues to unfold.
As the situation evolves, fans and critics alike will watch to see how Sheeran navigates the fallout and whether the industry will adjust its policies on political statements by performers.
In the meantime, the singer’s heartfelt message to his audience—“This gives hope” and “I love you”—serves as a reminder of the power of music to unite, even amid conflict.
Key facts
- Sheeran feels abandoned by family after Macklemore controversy
- All opening acts quit the Loop Tour in solidarity
- Sheeran took extra security measures during the show
- Macklemore donated $1M to Palestinian relief, Kraft matched with $2M
- Sheeran’s next shows are at Gillette Stadium amid ongoing debate
Why it matters
The incident highlights the tension between artistic expression and commercial interests, raising questions about how artists navigate political statements in a polarized climate.
Frequently asked questions
Why was Macklemore removed from the Loop Tour?
Stadium owners feared backlash from protestors after Macklemore’s pro‑Palestine speech.
What did Ed Sheeran say about his family?
He claimed they were abandoning him, citing a cousin’s public criticism.
How did the audience react?
Many fans expressed support, with Sheeran noting 50,000 attendees who hadn’t abandoned him.
Sources
- [1] nypost.com — originally reported as “Shattered Ed Sheeran claims family ‘abandoned’ him as Macklemore controversy rages on”
