Civil rights organization seeks records concerning Lincoln Financial Field decision, invites public to join call for transparency
(PHILADELPHIA, PA, 9/17/2026) — The Philadelphia chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Philadelphia) today announced that it has submitted a Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law request seeking records concerning the decision that resulted in rapper Macklemore being removed from the lineup of Ed Sheeran’s September 19 concert at Lincoln Financial Field.
SEE: Ed Sheeran tour continues on to Philadelphia as acts withdraw – ABC
CAIR-Philadelphia is also organizing an open-letter campaign calling for transparency from the Philadelphia Eagles, Eagles Stadium Operator LLC, the City of Philadelphia, the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development (PAID), Lincoln Financial Group, and other relevant parties.
Members of the public and organizations will be able to read and sign the letter at: pa.cair.com/macklemore
“Philadelphia deserves to know who made this decision, who communicated with whom, and whether an artist’s advocacy for Palestinian human rights was a factor in excluding him from a major venue operating on publicly owned property,” said CAIR-Philadelphia Executive Director Ahmet Tekelioglu. “People are free to agree or disagree with Macklemore. But when institutional power is used to remove an artist from a major Philadelphia stage following his political speech, transparency and accountability are reasonable expectations—especially given the public’s relationship to this stadium.”
CAIR-Philadelphia Seeks Public Records
CAIR-Philadelphia’s Right-to-Know request seeks relevant records created or received between August 1 and September 15, 2026, including records concerning:
- Communications regarding Macklemore, his scheduled Lincoln Financial Field appearance, and his removal or exclusion from the September 19 concert;
- Communications involving the Philadelphia Eagles, Eagles Stadium Operator LLC, Lincoln Financial Field, Lincoln Financial Group, Messina Touring Group, AEG/AEG Presents, representatives of Ed Sheeran, Robert Kraft, the Kraft Group, New England Patriots, Gillette Stadium, or outside advocacy organizations concerning Macklemore’s participation;
- Records reflecting who made, participated in, or was informed of the decision that Macklemore would not perform in Philadelphia;
- Any policy, contractual provision, safety consideration, agreement, or other standard cited as authority for excluding or restricting a performer;
- Records showing whether the City of Philadelphia or PAID was notified, consulted, asked for approval, or otherwise involved in discussions concerning Macklemore’s appearance.
The request also seeks to determine whether outside individuals or organizations communicated with Philadelphia officials or entities concerning Macklemore’s participation.
CAIR-Philadelphia emphasized that the request does not presume what those records will show. Its purpose is to establish a factual public record concerning how the decision was made.
Open Letter: “Philadelphia Deserves Answers” (PDF)
Alongside the records request, CAIR-Philadelphia is facilitating a public open letter under the banner:
“PHILADELPHIA DESERVES ANSWERS: Who Decided Macklemore Could Not Perform at Lincoln Financial Field?”
The letter is intended for organizations, community leaders, artists, advocates, and members of the general public to sign.
The letter calls for transparency, free expression, and accountability surrounding the use of a major venue located on publicly owned Philadelphia property.
Among other questions, the letter asks:
- Who made or authorized the decision that Macklemore could not perform at Lincoln Financial Field?
- Did Robert Kraft, the Kraft Group, representatives of other NFL franchises, advocacy organizations, sponsors, donors, or other outside parties communicate with the Eagles or stadium management regarding Macklemore?
- Did Macklemore’s advocacy concerning Palestine play a role in the decision?
- What contractual provision, stadium policy, safety consideration, or other standard was invoked?
- Were the City of Philadelphia, PAID, Lincoln Financial Group, Messina Touring Group, or other stakeholders consulted or notified?
The letter also asks the City and PAID to examine the circumstances surrounding the decision and clarify what public-interest standards and obligations apply to events at the stadium.
BACKGROUNDER: WHAT WE KNOW
Macklemore had been scheduled to perform in Philadelphia.
Macklemore joined Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour as a supporting artist and was scheduled to appear at Lincoln Financial Field on September 19. He had previously performed during Sheeran’s September 4 and 5 shows at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
His removal followed pro-Palestinian statements onstage.
During the September 5 performance, Macklemore said “Free Palestine” while introducing his protest song “Hind’s Hall.” Macklemore has publicly advocated for Palestinians for several years.
Lincoln Financial Field Is Not Simply a Privately Owned Venue
Its ownership structure includes the City of Philadelphia, PAID, and Philadelphia Eagles.
The tour promoter says venues objected to Macklemore remaining on the lineup.
Messina Touring Group has stated that it was informed by venues that they would not permit concerts to proceed with Macklemore on the lineup and that retaining him could therefore result in cancellation of tour dates.
Lincoln Financial Field was reportedly among those venues.
Reporting by The Philadelphia Inquirer identified Lincoln Financial Field among the venues that would not allow the concert to proceed with Macklemore on the lineup. Lincoln Financial Field representatives had not provided the newspaper an explanation for the decision at the time of its report.
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
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CONTACT: Ahmet Tekelioglu, CAIR-Philadelphia Executive Director, 617-401-5397, atekelioglu@cair.com.
