Ed Sheeran is set to have a 'sizable' police presence at his Philadelphia concert on Saturday, 19 September, as his team works with local authorities on security arrangements amid the fallout over Macklemore's removal from the Loop Tour.
Philadelphia Police Department spokesperson Jasmine Reilly told TMZ that officers were speaking with Sheeran's team to ensure 'all appropriate measures are taken' for his safety.
She added that a sizable number of officers would be deployed at Lincoln Financial Field for the concert.
Why Security Is Being Increased
The extra police presence comes amid planned demonstrations outside the stadium and the wider controversy surrounding Macklemore's departure.
Philly Palestine Coalition and Shut Down D&Z have announced plans to demonstrate at NRG Station at 4:30pm, about an hour before the concert. The groups said they want to 'return the conversation to Palestine' following Macklemore's removal from the tour.
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TMZ also reported that police are expected to be stationed both inside and outside the stadium, with concertgoers passing through metal detectors and some potentially undergoing pat-downs. Law-enforcement sources cited by the publication said they knew of no threats against Sheeran at the time of the report.
Macklemore Fallout
Macklemore was removed from the remaining US dates of Sheeran's Loop Tour after making pro-Palestinian remarks during his performances at New Jersey's MetLife Stadium on 4 and 5 September, including saying 'Free Palestine' and performing 'Hind's Hall'.
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The tour promoter, Messina Touring Group, said venue owners on upcoming dates had notified it that they would not allow concerts to proceed with Macklemore in the line-up. Robert Kraft later defended the decision not to host the rapper at Gillette Stadium.
Macklemore subsequently reaffirmed his support for Palestine and addressed the fallout in a statement about his removal.
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Referring to Sheeran, his friend of 13 years, he wrote: 'I didn't need 10 shows from Ed. I needed 2. Two chances to stand in front of 90,000 people and say the words that somehow became too dangerous to say.'
He added: 'If those words cost me the stage, while turning the conversation back to Palestine, then it was the most successful tour I've ever been on.'
Sheeran Said the Decision Was Not His
Sheeran addressed the controversy on Instagram on Tuesday, 15 September, saying Macklemore's removal was the promoter's decision rather than his own.
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He said several venues had threatened to withdraw from the tour if Macklemore remained and that he had spent the week trying to find a solution by speaking with venues, promoters and activists.
Sheeran also said he respects Macklemore's right to express his views but chooses not to use his professional platform for politics, describing his shows as a space intended to bring people together.
Four Artists Also Withdraw
The fallout intensified when Aaron Rowe, Lukas Graham, Finneas and Sheeran's touring band Beoga all withdrew from the tour.
Their statements variously cited freedom of expression, support for Palestinians and objections to the circumstances surrounding Macklemore's removal.
Rowe and Lukas Graham had been due to replace Macklemore on the remaining US dates, while Finneas was scheduled to join Sheeran for six South American shows. Beoga had been performing as Sheeran's touring band.
Saturday's Philadelphia concert will be Sheeran's first show since Macklemore's removal and the subsequent departures.
