Ed Sheeran resumed his LOOP Tour in Philadelphia after a week of significant disruption, following the removal of tour opener Macklemore over pro-Palestinian remarks and the subsequent departure of his remaining opening acts and backing band in protest. The cancellations raised questions about artistic freedom, venue control over performer content and the politicisation of entertainment in relation to the Israel-Palestine conflict.

Sheeran opened the Philadelphia concert with a televised speech addressing the controversy, acknowledging both the October 7 attacks in Israel as "horrific" and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza as "catastrophic and unjustifiable and disproportionate." He expressed concern about venues pre-approving performer content, stated that his concerts should remain safe spaces for all attendees regardless of political views, and indicated he was already in discussions about contributing to humanitarian relief efforts. The show was delayed two hours owing to the absence of opening acts, and protesters gathered outside the venue.