Philadelphia, Pennsylvania - Pro-Palestine protesters and police are expected to fill the streets in Philadelphia on Saturday as pop star Ed Sheeran performs his first show since the Macklemore controversy kicked off on Monday.
Rapper Macklemore was booted from Sheeran's US Loop Tour on Monday after the owners of stadiums hosting upcoming shows objected to his pro-Palestine and anti-genocide message, which he touted onstage in New Jersey earlier this month.
Sheeran has denied being behind the decision to remove Macklemore, saying his tour's promoter was responsible, but is facing escalating criticism over a public statement that is seen by many as a betrayal of Palestinians.
In solidarity with Macklemore and the people of the Palestinian territories, four supporting acts quit the "Shape of You" singer's tour. They included Sheeran's backing band, as well as performer Finneas, who rose to fame collaborating with Billie Eilish.
At a time when a growing number of artists are speaking out against the conflict in Gaza, found to be genocide by the UN, as well as escalating settler violence in the West Bank, the 35-year-old British performer attempted to maintain an apolitical stance.
"I am not complicit. I have my personal views on this devastating conflict. Just because I choose not to speak publicly, it doesn't mean I don't have them, and it doesn't mean I don't care," he said on Instagram on Tuesday.
No new opening acts or backing bands have been announced, and it was not known how Sheeran planned to carry out his show at Lincoln Financial Field in the eastern US city of Philadelphia on Saturday night.
A pro-Palestinian rally organized by local groups is scheduled to take place near the venue in the afternoon.
City police told AFP there would be an "appropriate police presence [to] help ensure the safety of concertgoers, employees, and neighborhood residents."