Ed Sheeran's two stadium concerts at Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts on 25 and 26 September have been cancelled due to severe weather warnings from a nor'easter affecting the East Coast, with tour promoter Messina Touring citing the safety of fans, staff and everyone involved as the top priority. The cancellations come amid significant controversy surrounding the tour, with Sheeran having addressed the situation emotionally during a concert on 19 September, stating he has been caught between concerns about freedom of speech and his commitment to maintaining his concerts as a safe space for all.

The broader context involves the removal of rapper Macklemore from the bill after his "Free Palestine" statements during earlier shows. Stadium owner Robert Kraft justified the decision, stating that Macklemore's actions and what he characterised as a history of antisemitic rhetoric and imagery conflicted with the venue's commitment to providing a welcoming environment free from hate speech. Sheeran's tearful stage statement reflected his discomfort with being positioned at the centre of what he described as "the most complex political issue on the planet," whilst emphasising his determination to honour his commitment to his fans and continue the tour.