World News for Students of English

23-09-2026 07:00

British pop star Ed Sheeran faces a major crisis on his US tour after his supporting acts all withdrew following a high-profile controversy.

The conflict began when rapper Macklemore made pro-Palestinian statements and displayed images of war during a performance at Gillette Stadium in New Jersey.

In response, the stadium owner and other venue managers presented Sheeran with an ultimatum: remove Macklemore or cancel the concerts. Sheeran accepted Macklemore’s removal to protect his tour crew’s livelihoods, but this decision sparked outrage among fellow artists, who all quit in protest against censorship by venue owners.

At his opening solo concert in Philadelphia, Sheeran addressed the controversy directly on stage without any supporting acts. He apologized for his handling of the situation and voiced deep concern over stadium owners dictating artistic content. He condemned the October 7 attacks as horrific and described the ongoing devastation in Gaza as catastrophic. Sheeran will complete the remaining stadium dates alone.

Difficult words: supporting act (a less famous performer or group that plays before the main star at a concert), venue (a place where an organized event takes place), ultimatum (a final demand or warning that threatens serious action if it is not accepted).

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