Tom Cruise is shedding more light on how he pulled off his dramatic transformation into Digger Rockwell for his upcoming film “Digger.”

The 64-year-old actor revealed that the makeup process initially took six hours, but he pushed the team to complete it in under an hour.

Cruise also recently acknowledged his reputation for being intense on set and expecting a lot from those he works with.

Tom Cruise is well known for performing his own death-defying stunts and pushing the boundaries of his performances. For his upcoming film “Digger,” however, he faced a different kind of endurance challenge.

In the dark comedy, Cruise plays Digger Rockwell, a wealthy oil tycoon. Achieving the character’s look required prosthetics and a fat suit, with the initial makeup process taking six hours.

But he wasn’t content to sit still for a quarter of the day, so he challenged his makeup crew to cut that time to under an hour.

“The first time we did the makeup, it took six hours, OK?” Cruise said during his Friday appearance on Travis and Jason Kelce’s “New Heights” podcast.

“I gotta sleep at least six [hours]. They keep saying I need more… but OK, that’s 12,” he continued. “Now, we have 12-hour days filming. So now that’s six hours on, two hours off with the makeup.”

Tom Cruise Brings In A Stopwatch To Speed Up His Makeover

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The “Top Gun” star explained that the lengthy process wouldn’t work with his schedule, prompting him to find a way to make it “more efficient.”

With filming typically taking 12 hours and at least six hours set aside for sleep, he questioned how he could spend another six hours in the makeup chair.

He challenged the team to do it in under an hour.

“I had a guy there with a stopwatch, and I’m like, ‘OK, you see that time, six hours? By the time we’re done, we’re going to get it under an hour,’” Cruise said, per Variety.

He added, “They were like, ‘No, I’m not doing that, it will never happen.’ I’m like, ‘OK, first of all, if you say no, you can’t do it; you will never get there. So can we agree that we’ll maybe make it a little less?’ So with each piece that was going on, it was timed, and then we’d drill and practice.”

Tom Cruise Turns To Cooling Machines During ‘Digger’ Filming

The crew eventually completed the process within his desired time frame. The “Mission: Impossible” star said he loves studying a system and finding ways to improve it.

However, performing in the fat suit and prosthetics still posed a challenge, forcing him to improvise once again.

“I’m sweating because I’m wearing these prosthetics. And the scenes, they’re long takes and the rhythm of it — you really have to know what you’re doing,” Cruise said. “But I’m sweating underneath, so I came up with all these different things, like cooling machines.”

The film, which premieres October 2, also stars Riz Ahmed, John Goodman, and Sandra Hüller. Alejandro González Iñárritu directs.

Tom Cruise Makes His Expectations Clear: ‘I Expect A Lot’

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In a recent interview with GQ, Cruise acknowledged his reputation for being intense on set, adding that he demands a lot from the people he works with.

“When I’m working with people, I’m not afraid to, as I’m acting, to look foolish, to do it. It’s like: That’s not what this is about. It’s finding our tone, finding these tools together and having an experience,” he explained.

He continued, “And look, I work hard, and people that work with me, they know. I expect a lot, and I’m upfront about it. It’s like: ‘The rumors are true. And do you want this?’ I’m like, ‘Trust me, the rumors are true. I’ll be here before you. What experience do you want?’”

Tom Cruise Calls Setting The Tone On Set His ‘Responsibility’

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After acknowledging that he expects everyone around him to be at the top of their game, the “Jack Reacher” actor noted that his love for cinema drives him to create the right environment on set.

He explained that he sees it as his “responsibility,” especially when he plays the lead, as he usually does.

“Even when I was a kid, they were like, ‘Oh, come on, Tom. You’re so intense.’ I’m like, ‘I don’t know what to say. I am intense,’” he said.

Cruise added, “I got a very good sense of humor about it, but it was like: When I’m interested in something, I want to learn it. I want to understand it. And you want to blast through the confusion and build up that ability.”

“Reacher” star Alan Ritchson has opened up about a scrapped plan for the hit Prime Video series. The actor suggested Donald Trump‘s return to the White House helped shelve an old, proposed iteration of the project.

Meanwhile, Season 5 is taking the action hero in a different direction, with a sinister missing-person case at the center of his next adventure.

Alan Ritchson says one of his favorite Jack Reacher stories nearly made it to television before the adaptation plans were dropped.

The “Reacher” star made the revelation while responding to a fan on Threads who wanted to see Lee Child’s “Die Trying” adapted for the Prime Video series. The 1998 novel, which is the second book in the franchise, pits Reacher against a white supremacist militia.

Ritchson revealed that the idea had progressed further than fans might have realized. “My favorite book,” the actor wrote, before adding, “Fun fact: I had it approved until someone got re-elected.”

Ritchson did not name Donald Trump in the post or explain who decided to abandon the adaptation. However, his reference to someone being “re-elected” appeared to point to Trump’s return to the White House following the 2024 presidential election. Bottom of Form

‘Reacher’ Season 5 Will Take On A Sinister New Mystery

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While “Die Trying” may be off the table, “Reacher” isn’t exactly steering away from dark material for its next outing.

Season 5 will send Jack Reacher to Mother’s Rest, a small town surrounded by miles of wheat fields. His curiosity about the unusual name quickly gives way to a more urgent mystery when he meets private investigator Michelle Chang, whose partner has disappeared.

According to Amazon, the pair’s search eventually exposes a “dangerous and deadly criminal conspiracy.” Lee Child’s “Make Me,” however, hints at just how unsettling that investigation could become.

‘Reacher’ Has Already Modernized Lee Child’s Source Material

“Reacher” has already shown that an older Lee Child novel doesn’t have to reach television with its original political backdrop intact.

Season 4 took on “Gone Tomorrow,” Child’s 2009 novel, but made significant changes to its politically sensitive plot. The original story was steeped in the post-9/11 era, with terrorism and the war in Afghanistan playing heavily into the mystery.

The Prime Video adaptation reworked those elements for a modern setting. Some characters were changed or replaced, and the conspiracy at the story’s heart was updated rather than recreating the book’s geopolitical backdrop exactly as written.

How Much Say Does Alan Ritchson Have Over ‘Reacher’ Stories?

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Ritchson’s claim that he once had “Die Trying” approved also raises questions about how much influence the actor has over “Reacher’s” source material.

As it turns out, choosing the next book is a group effort. Ritchson explained ahead of Season 3 that several people involved with the show weigh in on which of Lee Child’s novels should get the TV treatment.

“We definitely talk about what book to do,” he told Forbes, pointing to longtime producer Don Granger as one of the voices involved. Granger optioned for the rights and began working with Child early in the franchise’s development.

Alan Ritchson Previously Unloaded On Trump Over Epstein Files

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Ritchson’s apparent swipe at Trump wouldn’t be the first time the “Reacher” star has publicly gone after the president.

During a July appearance on the “Happy Sad Confused” podcast, the actor launched into an expletive-filled rant about the handling of files connected to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Ritchson questioned why more information had not been released and argued that anyone implicated should be held accountable. He demanded greater transparency surrounding the files before telling the president, “Go to jail!”

Pete Davidson is settling into life as a new dad with a fresh outlook on what matters most. He revealed how welcoming his daughter has reshaped everything from his personal choices to his approach to work.

Ahead of the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks earlier this month, Davidson also reflected on how he would eventually explain his father’s death to his daughter.

Pete Davidson is embracing fatherhood and admits his baby daughter has completely changed the way he approaches his life and career.

The “Saturday Night Live” alum opened up about being a dad during a candid conversation with Charlamagne tha God for Interview Magazine. Davidson said welcoming his little girl put his priorities into perspective.

“I behave differently now. Every decision is different,” the comedian explained. He admitted he had wondered what kind of father he would become, including whether he could “keep my sh-t together.”

Those doubts have given way to a simple determination to get things right. “I look at her, and I’m like, ‘Alright, I don’t want to f-ck this up,’” Davidson said, calling his daughter a “blessing.”

Davidson Hadn’t Figured Out How To Explain 9/11 To Scottie

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In a recent interview with the New York Post, Davidson admitted he had not yet worked out how he would eventually explain his father’s death to Scottie.

The comedian’s father, Scott, was a New York City firefighter who died in the terrorist attacks. Davidson named his daughter, whom he welcomed with his former partner, Elsie Hewitt, in his father’s honor.

“Luckily, I have some time,” he told the outlet.

“Honestly, this year is way harder than it’s been in a really long time because I have Scottie, and now I’m the age that my dad was when he died,” he said. “So, I’m just kind of like, ‘Holy sh–t.’”

Pete Davidson Named His Daughter After His Late Father

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Davidson welcomed his daughter, Scottie Rose Hewitt Davidson, with model Hewitt in December 2025.

According to the actor, they agreed on the name Scottie because it connects to his father.

“It was really cool that Elsie also wanted to name her Scottie,” he said. “My dad’s name was Scott, but his nickname was Scotty.”

When they first saw their daughter, the name felt even more fitting.

“We both looked at her and were like, ‘She looks like a Scottie,’” Davidson recalled, adding, “It’s nice to keep that name alive.”

Fatherhood Fulfills Davidson’s Childhood Dream

Becoming a father also fulfilled a childhood dream Davidson had held. After losing his own father, the actor said he already knew what he wanted to be when he grew up.

“When I was young, and my dad passed, I remember my mom used to be like, ‘What do you want to be when you grow up?’ And I used to be like, ‘A dad,’” he said during an interview with “The Breakfast Club” years ago.

Since welcoming his daughter, he has enjoyed seeing that dream come true.

“Dad life is f–king awesome,” he told PEOPLE in March. “It is exhausting and rewarding and cute.”

Davidson Honors His Father By Supporting 9/11 First Responders

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Meanwhile, Davidson has continued to commemorate the 9/11 anniversary in his own way.

He and his longtime friend Jon Stewart were scheduled to host “NYC Still Rising After 25 Years: A 9/11 Comedy Benefit” at Madison Square Garden on September 10.

Proceeds from the event were earmarked for organizations supporting first responders who risked their lives during the attacks and their families.

Ahead of the event, he shared what attendees could expect.

“Benefits are tricky, and 9/11 is such a sad thing. So to be able to check that at the door and have a good time for a great cause is one of my favorite things,” Davidson told the Post.

“This is fun for us because all the firefighters, first responders, police, and EMTs come, and we’re fans of them,” he added.

Yung Miami had a few words to get off her chest after an outlet called out the MTV Video Music Awards for leaving ‘Spend Dat’ out of nominations. The announcement also had social media popping OFF! Some fans argued that the song took over the summer and deserved a spot. Meanwhile, others said they weren’t surprised that the VMAs skipped over the record.

RELATED: Been About Him! Yung Miami Spills Tea About Her Relationship Status & The Internet Immediately Brings Up Diddy (VIDEOS)

Yung Miami Responds After ‘Spend Dat’ Misses VMAs Nominations

Recently, Yung Miami hopped on X (formerly Twitter) with a few thoughts after an outlet, Red Media called out the VMAs for leaving ‘Spend Dat’ out of the Song of the Summer category nominations. She kept her response short and sweet, writing, “Are we surprised???”

From there, fans started chiming in with their own takes. Yung Miami even appeared to co-sign one social media user who told her not to sweat the recognition because she was still winning. “No shade Caresha I’m f****n proud of you! F*** that award! U back on the map! N***a thought you was thru! And you showed they a**,” the social media user wrote.

Fans Debate Whether ‘Spend Dat’ Deserved A Nomination

After The Shade Room shared Miami’s reaction to ‘Spend Dat’ missing out on a VMAs nomination, fans kept sharing their thoughts in the comment section. Some Roomies argued that ‘Spend Dat’ deserved recognition for taking over the summer, meanwhile others admitted they weren’t shocked.

Instagram user @johnviolinist wrote, “But was that the song of the summer for ppl outside of our culture? It is the MTV awards after all. 😩” 

Instagram user @ferno804 wrote, “Y’all switch up fast as hell lmaoooo song be going off the whole summer stop playin 😂 and I never was a big fan of the record but it fasho was song of summer.”  

Then Instagram user @officialbrowardbaby wrote, “Idc she deserved her flowers for that song, despite it being a ‘fun’ song.. it went GLOBAL!” 

Another Instagram user @thatgirlnamednoni wrote, “It’s the VIDEO music awards lmao 😂 did the song have an actual video that was award worthy?! NOPE 🙂‍↔️” 

Instagram user @sunnymamasita wrote, “Snubbed is a stretch 😂” 

Then another Instagram user @princedijonn wrote, “The song is literally made for fun not awards 😂😂😂”

Finally, Instagram user @tradeszn_ wrote, “UNPOPULAR OPINION: IM ON THE VMAS SIDE, THAT WAS NOT THE SONG OF THE SUMMER, IT JUST HAD THE MEDIOCRE PPL IN A CHOKEHOLD.” 

Carsesha Claps Back After Her Daughter & Nephew Go Viral For Dancing To ‘Spend Dat’

Spend Dat’ might’ve take over social media and radio stations, but Yung Miami also caught plenty of backlash over it. Recently, she stepped into The Shade Room to clap back at trolls who felt a way about her daughter Summer and nephew Rylo dancing to the record. Videos showed Summer and Rylo practicing the dance before hitting the stage with Caresha. But chileeee, some folks didn’t like see the little ones vibing to the track. Once the reactions started rolling in, Miami hopped into TSR’s comment section to defend them. She said she didn’t see the issue because she was doing all kinds of dances at their age.

“I use to do the cry baby and splits in dance contests when I was a lil girl oh yeah and the doodoo brown! Yall go cook,”

RELATED: Oop! Yung Miami Reacts To Backlash Following Video Of Her Daughter & Nephew Dancing To ‘Spend Dat’ 

After five days of uncertainty, Esube “Izzy” Konjit Wondwossen’s loved ones finally have the update they’d been waiting for. The 22-year-old Howard University student, whose disappearance sparked a search involving family and friends, has been found. And, the latest update is bringing a major sigh of relief.

RELATED: Family Of Missing Howard University Student Speaks Out As Details Emerge (VIDEO)

Esube “Izzy” Wondwossen Found Safe After Days-Long Search

Prince George’s County Police announced Saturday evening that Esube “Izzy” Wondwossen was found “in good health.” Police did not disclose where she was located, but confirmed there is no ongoing investigation. Before she was found, family and friends spent Saturday, September 19, searching an Alexandria neighborhood and handing out flyers.

What Led Up To Her Search?

As previously reported, Wondwossen was last seen on the morning of September 15. According to the Black and Missing Foundation, the 22-year-old was seen shortly before 8 a.m. after leaving the Pentagon Metro station in Arlington, Virginia. Her sister, Helina Wondwossen, said the family did not learn until three days later that Izzy had made it to the Pentagon area.

Earlier that morning, Wondwossen’s father had dropped her off at the Branch Avenue Metro Station around 7 a.m., believing she was heading to Howard University for her usual commute. Her family said she appeared happy and in good spirits, and nothing about the morning seemed unusual. She was later seen getting off a bus near North Beauregard Street and Reading Avenue in Alexandria. But, she never returned home or responded to calls and texts. Her family said they did not know why she had traveled to Alexandria.

Izzy’s Family Spoke Out During The Search

Now that Wondwossen has been found in good health, her family’s concerns have hopefully shifted to relief after days of uncertainty. The Howard University senior had been excited about graduating, and her loved ones previously stressed how unusual it was for her to disappear without communicating with them. Her mother, Aida Endrias, had expressed fears for her daughter’s safety, while her sister, Helina, repeatedly said she simply wanted to know Izzy was safe.

RELATED: Prayers Up! Bodies Of Missing Florida Couple And Their Grandchildren Found Following Plane Crash In Bahamas

Sweet Magnolias creator Sheryl J. Anderson just broke her silence after the show’s shocking cancellation.

“Living in Serenity for five seasons has been a privilege and a blessing,” Anderson wrote via Instagram on Saturday, September 19. “The people I’ve met and worked with — our incredible writers, cast, crew, executives, and producers — have touched my heart and changed my life.”

She continued: “And our fans have been amazing in their passion for our characters. Thank you all. Though our journey has sadly come to an end, I hope Serenity will always have a place in your heart. Keep pouring it out!”

News broke on Friday, September 18, that Netflix chose not to renew Sweet Magnolias for a sixth season. Instead, the streaming service ordered a new drama series from Anderson — with JoAnna Garcia Swisher set to executive produce and potentially star in.

Related: What Would Have Happened in ‘Sweet Magnolias’ Season 6 Before Cancellation?

Before Sweet Magnolias‘ shocking cancellation, showrunner Sheryl J. Anderson exclusively revealed what would have happened in season 6. News broke on Friday, September 18, that Netflix chose not to renew Sweet Magnolias in favor of working again with Anderson — and star JoAnna Garcia Swisher — in a new series titled Ladies of the House. […]

“All grand adventures must eventually end,” read a post from the show’s official Instagram account. “And here, dear friends, is where ours goes. Sweet Magnolias is now complete with five seasons streaming on Netflix.”

Anderson, for her part, teased their next chapter with Ladies of the House.

“I’m thrilled to be embarking on this new adventure with JoAnna and Netflix,” Anderson said in a statement. “When Jo shared the novel with me, I immediately saw the foundation for a series centered on three women grappling with the complexities of family, friendship, and romance — the kind of stories Jo and I most enjoy telling. I cannot wait to share the Richardson women and their world with Netflix’s global audience.”

Swisher also weighed in on the decision to adapt Ladies of the House, which is a modern retelling of Sense and Sensibility.

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“From the moment I read Lauren Edmondson’s Ladies of the House, I fell completely in love with Daisy, Cricket and Wallis: their relationships, their messiness, their strength, and most of all, their heart,” she said. “I am beyond excited to continue to tell meaningful, female-driven stories alongside the incredible Sheryl J. Anderson, and to bring this to life through our production company Rolling Clover and with our wonderful partners at Black Label.”

She concluded: “Netflix has been my creative home for the past seven years, and I couldn’t imagine a better place, or a better team, to tell this story.”

Sweet Magnolias is streaming now on Netflix.

Dakota Johnson and Machine Gun Kelly may be enjoying a new romance, but insiders are already questioning whether their connection can develop into the serious relationship the actress reportedly wants. The two stars, both 36, have allegedly been spending time together since reconnecting at Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s wedding in July. Although sources described them as attracted to one another and happy to see where things go, their different priorities could eventually become an issue. Johnson recently revealed that she hopes to have children, while insiders claimed MGK is not currently seeking marriage or another major commitment.

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Johnson and MGK, whose real name is Colson Baker, reportedly knew each other before attending Swift and Kelce’s wedding at Madison Square Garden. However, the event allegedly gave them an opportunity to connect more deeply.

According to the Daily Mail, the pair’s relationship currently appears to be casual rather than headed toward an immediate commitment. “I heard that it’s casual, what’s going on between them. and they’re just having fun, hanging out and getting to know each other. They might just be a summer fling that turned romantic, but given Dakota’s relationship history, they might not last much longer,” an insider told the outlet.

A separate report from PEOPLE similarly claimed that Johnson and MGK have been quietly spending time together for months. Neither star has publicly confirmed the relationship.

The Daily Mail’s second source emphasized that the pair is not rushing to define what is happening between them. “Things with them are so far, so good. Nothing is super serious, and nobody is picking out china just yet, but they’re enjoying each other and seeing where this goes,” the source said.

The Actress Reportedly Has A Type

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Johnson has previously dated several musicians, including Drowners frontman Matthew Hitt, Coldplay singer Chris Martin, and Role Model, whose real name is Tucker Pillsbury. “Dakota loves rock stars, she can’t help herself, she says they are sexy,” one source claimed.

Another insider compared Johnson’s apparent attraction to musicians with Penny Lane, Kate Hudson’s character in “Almost Famous.” “Rockstars are absolutely her type. She’s almost the modern-day Penny Lane from Almost Famous – she’s enamored with that whole rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle, the music, the chaos, the guys who come with it,” the source alleged.

Johnson was first linked to Martin in 2017. The former couple maintained a largely private relationship before separating after nearly eight years together. PEOPLE reported that the relationship had led to an engagement before the pair ultimately split.

Johnson was later linked to Role Model. The two were first seen together in late 2025, but their relationship reportedly ended earlier this year.

Dakota Johnson Reportedly Appreciates Their Shared Age

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Sources claimed that MGK’s age is another reason Johnson enjoys spending time with him. “She loves that he is in his 30s like she is. They are both 36. Chris [Martin] was way too old for her, he is almost 50, and that dragged her down, like, they could not relate on a lot of things. And Tucker [Role Model] was too young, he was in his twenties,” one insider told the Daily Mail.

MGK also reportedly appreciates Johnson’s Hollywood background. The actress is the daughter of Melanie Griffith and Don Johnson and the granddaughter of Tippi Hedren. “I think Colson is a little starstruck because her family is so famous. I mean, her mom is Melanie Griffith and her dad is Don Johnson, like Old School Hollywood, so that part is pretty cool. And she has A-list friends,” the source said.

Their Different Personalities Could Become A Problem

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Despite their mutual attraction, insiders characterized Johnson and MGK as an unexpected match. “They are an unusual pairing since MGK is more eccentric and loud, while Dakota is more reserved and down to earth. They both also have different styles and hobbies…But you know what they say, opposites attract and this might be the case for them,” one source shared.

Another insider suggested that the pair could have a positive influence on each other. “There’s even a sense that they might be able to tame each other a little bit. Whether that actually happens or turns into something long-term is another story,” the source said.

The insider also addressed speculation that MGK might be spending time with Johnson to provoke his former fiancée, Megan Fox. “None of their friends are exactly holding their breath waiting for wedding invitations, and some of MGK’s friends have thought he could be using Dakota to make Megan Fox jealous,” the source claimed.

“But, at least so far, that doesn’t appear to be the case,” they added. “Right now, it looks much more like two people who are attracted to each other, having fun and seeing what happens next.”

MGK shares a daughter with Fox. The former couple ended their engagement in 2024 and have since focused on co-parenting.

Dakota Johnson Wants To Become A Mother

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Questions about the relationship’s future come as Johnson speaks candidly about her desire to start a family. “I really do,” she told Vogue when asked whether she wanted children. “I didn’t expect to be this age and at this place in my life, but for whatever reason, that’s the plan of the universe. So I would love that.”

However, a source claimed that MGK is not currently focused on marriage. “MGK isn’t looking for anything serious,” the insider said. “If he wanted to be a husband, he would’ve married Megan Fox awhile ago. He has kids and has been in serious relationships before, but he’s not set on married life. He enjoys being free spirited and is very dedicated to his music and career that it makes it difficult to have a serious commitment.”

Johnson and MGK also have demanding schedules. She is promoting “Verity,” while the musician remains focused on his recording career.

For now, sources maintain that the two are enjoying their time together without making any major promises. Whether their casual connection can survive their reportedly different goals may become clearer over the coming months.

Ed Sheeran’s first concert since Macklemore was removed from his Loop Tour drew dozens of pro-Palestinian protesters outside Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field. Demonstrators gathered near the stadium and a nearby subway station on Saturday, criticizing Macklemore’s removal and calling on Sheeran to take a stronger public position on the Israel-Gaza conflict. The controversy also followed the departure of several opening acts and Sheeran’s longtime backing band, turning the Philadelphia performance into a major test for the remainder of his North American tour.

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According to The Philadelphia Inquirer, dozens of activists carrying Palestinian flags and signs gathered near Lincoln Financial Field and SEPTA’s NRG Station before the concert. One protester yelled, “F-ck your concert, f-ck your fans. Palestine is our demand,” in footage reportedly captured by FreedomNews. “Other demonstrators chanted, “Free Palestine.”

One person wore a red baseball cap designed in the style of President Donald Trump’s “Make America Great Again” merchandise. The hat instead read, “Make Palestine Free Again.”

The Philly Palestine Coalition and Shut Down D&Z had promoted the demonstration online before the concert. “Billionaires, Zionists & Warmongers out of Philly,” the groups wrote.

Other signs targeted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu with the messages “Netanyahu has blood on his hands” and “Let Gaza live.”

Ed Sheeran Addressed Gaza During The Show

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Sheeran addressed the controversy from the stage before beginning his concert. The singer condemned the Hamas-led attacks in Israel on October 7, 2023, while also criticizing the scale of the civilian devastation in Gaza and conditions in the West Bank.

Sheeran apologized for mistakes he made while navigating the controversy and said he was concerned about venues attempting to influence or approve performers’ content. He also emphasized that he wanted his concerts to remain welcoming spaces for people with opposing perspectives.

Sheeran characterized Israel’s response in Gaza as catastrophic, unjustifiable, and disproportionate while acknowledging the pain caused by the October 7 attacks.

Macklemore Was Removed From The Loop Tour

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The protest followed Macklemore’s removal from the remaining dates of Sheeran’s North American tour. The rapper had performed his protest song “Hind’s Hall” during Sheeran’s September 4 and 5 concerts at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. He also displayed imagery from Gaza and voiced his support for Palestinians.

Macklemore subsequently claimed that Sheeran told him Robert Kraft, whose Kraft Group owns Gillette Stadium, had contacted the singer about his continued participation. “Ed told me that Kraft said I would not be allowed to perform in his stadium. Ed also told me that Kraft had rallied some of the other stadium owners and collectively they gave him an ultimatum: if Macklemore stays on the tour, you will not be allowed to play in our venues,” Macklemore wrote on Instagram.

The rapper acknowledged that Sheeran “was in a f-cked up position.” “I hope this isn’t the end of my relationship with Ed. Thirteen years of friendship doesn’t disappear because of one painful disagreement,” he added.

The Associated Press reported that Macklemore said multiple venues had threatened to cancel Sheeran’s concerts if he remained on the tour. Kraft publicly defended his opposition to Macklemore’s participation, arguing that the rapper’s recent performance and history had caused pain within the Jewish community.

Macklemore has maintained that his criticism concerns the Israeli government’s actions and is not directed at Jewish people.

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Sheeran said the decision to remove Macklemore was made by the tour’s promoter, Messina Touring Group, and not by him personally.

In an Instagram statement, the British singer explained why he intended to continue with the tour despite calls for him to cancel performances. “I would never let down the fans who had made plans, nor would I abandon the touring crew and the other support acts and musicians who rely on me for work and to make a living,” Sheeran wrote.

Finneas withdrew from his scheduled tour appearances, stating that “artists must not be silenced when they speak up for the oppressed.” Aaron Rowe, Lukas Graham and Sheeran’s longtime Irish backing band Beoga also pulled out in solidarity with Macklemore.

Melissa Barrera Praised The Departing Performers

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Actress Melissa Barrera publicly praised the musicians who left Sheeran’s tour. Barrera was fired from the “Scream” franchise in 2023 following social media posts about the Israel-Gaza conflict. She told the Associated Press that seeing other artists support Macklemore brought up complicated emotions.

“It was so beautiful to see Finneas and the band and all the opening acts pulling out in support of Macklemore. It made me emotional,” Barrera said. “You know, I didn’t get that when it happened to me. I didn’t have any of that happen. It was too soon. People were too scared. But it’s good to see that almost three years later, at least things have changed.”

Tickets Remained Available Before The Philadelphia Show

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Hours before the performance, hundreds of resale tickets were still listed online.

StubHub listings reportedly ranged from $51 to $234 for seats in the stadium’s main levels, while pit tickets were available for between $229 and $298. The Philadelphia Inquirer reported that some Ticketmaster resale seats dropped as low as $32.25 shortly before the concert.

The available inventory and falling resale prices indicated weaker secondary-market demand. However, resale listings alone do not establish how many primary tickets were originally sold or prove the controversy was solely responsible for the remaining availability.

Despite the protest, supporting-act departures, and public criticism, Sheeran proceeded with the Philadelphia show and directly addressed the dispute from the stage.