Pop star Ed Sheeran performed alone at his Philadelphia stadium concert on Saturday, admitting he made "mistakes" in handling the removal of rapper Macklemore from his tour. He stated that the humanitarian situation in Gaza is "catastrophic and unjustifiable and disproportionate" and condemned the October 7 attack on Israel as "horrific." Macklemore was removed from the Loop Tour after shouting "Free Palestine" during a performance.

Pro-Palestine demonstrators blocked venue entrances in Philadelphia before the show, while Sheeran's band and other support acts withdrew from the tour. The singer expressed deep concern over the practice of venues pre-approving performer content, which he said should not happen in the "free world." Sheeran is currently speaking to various parties to coordinate a contribution for victims of the conflict.