Ed Sheeran opened a concert Saturday (Sept. 19) with comments about Gaza after controversy swirled around his tour. As previously reported, the supporting acts withdrew in solidarity with the opener, Macklemore. The rapper was dropped after making pro-Palestinian comments onstage. Sheeran began the concert alone on stage with no opener, but was joined by other musicians later in the show.

RELATED: All Of Ed Sheeran’s Supporting Acts Quit His Tour After His Response To Macklemore Being Kicked Off (UPDATE)

What Happened With Macklemore & The Other Acts?

Sheeran spoke on Saturday in front a nearly full stadium after a hectic week that began with Macklemore, Sheeran’s original U.S. opener, being dropped from the tour. His removal was a response to him saying “Free Palestine” during a Sept. 5 show in New Jersey. Sheeran last week said he was not responsible for the decision. Instead, it came at the urging of New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft. His company owns a stadium where Sheeran’s tour was scheduled to play on Friday.

Still, within hours of Ed Sheeran’s statement last Tuesday, his supporting acts withdrew. Sheeran has performed many songs solo during his Loop Tour concerts. However, he was joined for several songs at each stop by the Irish folk band Beoga before they dropped out in support of Macklemore. Macklemore was replaced by Danish band Lukas Graham and Irish singer Aaron Rowe before they too backed out. Finneas, Billie Eilish’s brother and musical collaborator, was due to tour with Ed Sheeran in South America later this year. However, he too dropped out last week.

Macklemore said last Wednesday that he is donating $1 million to support Palestinian relief efforts. The rapper called on Kraft to match the gift. In response, a spokesperson for Kraft has said the billionaire and Ed Sheeran have each agreed to donate $2 million. However, the men have not specified where the money will be directed. Sheeran’s representatives have not responded to AP’s multiple requests for comment.

Ed Sheeran Addresses Tour Fallout & Gaza Situation During Show

The musician said he wants his music and shows to be about unity and humanity, not politics. But he said the attacks in Israel of Oct. 7, 2023, were horrific and what is happening in Gaza “catastrophic and unjustifiable.”

“I don’t want to disappoint fans, and I’ve never wanted to be an activist musician, but this has put me in the middle of an important and passionate argument about freedom of speech and the most complex political issue on the planet,” Sheeran said during his performance at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.

Ed Sheeran also told the crowd in Philadelphia that everyone is welcome at his concerts, and they can have opposing points of view while still singing his songs, which are about “love, hope and unity.” He also told fans he worries about venues pre-approving performances.

“This happens in so many places that I perform around the world, but it should never happen in the free world,” Sheeran said.

The Grammy winner’s statement was a stark difference from his energy earlier last week. At the time, he was adamant that he wouldn’t be drawn into a discussion of the war in Gaza, arguing that his fans don’t come to his shows to hear about these issues. Also, Sheeran said he “spoke with the venues at length all week to try to build a bridge” before Macklemore was dropped. He insisted he would never willingly let down his fans or abandon the touring crew and others who rely on him to make a living.

Protestors Pull Up To Ed Sheeran’s Philly Show 

Before Saturday’s show, a small group of pro-Palestinian demonstrators congregated outside the stadium. Hillary Steinberg, 34, said she got concert tickets a year ago but wound up getting a refund and attended the demonstration instead. She was, per the Associated Press, disappointed that Sheeran did not take a stand.

“I was, until this week, a big Ed Sheeran fan,” Steinberg said. “I think all art is political, and all music is political, and so this choice — even though he was saying that he wasn’t complicit — is a political choice.”

Diane Savitz, a 53-year-old from Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, got tickets months ago and attended. She said she is a big Sheeran fan, doesn’t think he did anything wrong and a concert is not the place for politics.

“A concert should be for people enjoying the music. Music should bring people together,” Savitz said. “Everyone has their right to freedom of speech, but not every platform is the place for it.”

Associated Press writers Tassanee Vejpongsa and Jessica Hill contributed to this report via AP Newsroom. 

Lisa Leslie left her mark on the Los Angeles Sparks franchise as one of the top players in its history. Recently, the organization honored her with a bronze statue outside the Crypto.com Arena, immortalizing the WNBA great.

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A Lil’ History About THEE Lisa Leslie & Statue Details

On Sunday (Sept. 20), she became the 16th person honored with a statue at Star Plaza in a ceremony featuring Magic Johnson, Candace Parker, Michael Cooper, and others. However, she is reportedly the first WNBA player and first Los Angeles Sparks player to be honored with a statue. Leslie starred for the Sparks from 1997 to 2009. The 11-foot statue, with a 4 1/2-foot base, depicts Leslie’s signature dunk, the first in WNBA history. She helped the Sparks win consecutive titles in 2001 and 2002.

Lisa Reacts To The Look Of The Statue

While speaking at the event, the three-time MVP expressed how happy she is with the outcome of her statue and the attention to detail poured into it. She said, “I am beyond happy with how beautiful The First Lady looks because they listened to me.” Adding, “She has her lipstick on, she has on earrings, she has my family’s names on my bracelets, which probably people can’t see because she’s so big. It’s gorgeous, and I just love that she has her ponytail, and when little girls walk around and get a chance to see it, they see a woman, The First Lady statue out there. That just means so much to me.”

After the unveiling, she called the statue “cute” and admitted that she had some worried about the potential final look. Her look on the court was intentional throughout her career, she explained.

“First of all, she’s cute,” Leslie said of the statue. “I was so worried. I did not want to look like a linebacker up here. But she’s cute. I wanted to make sure that this statue was a perfect blend of fearlessness and the competitor that I was and I am and I’ll always be. But also … I wore my ribbons, I had my nails polished, which y’all can’t see, but the girl got her polish on because I never wanted the boys or the men to think that I was a boy.”

Social Media Gives The WNBA Star Her Flowers

The roommates quickly gathered in The Shade Room’s comment section following a post about Lisa Leslie’s bronze statue. Some reflected on the WNBA retiree’s record-breaking career, which ended in 2009 with her retirement. Others were stunned by her present-day looks, while majority gave their takes on how the statue of Leslie turned out. A couple of roomies even dropped jokey comparisons to Dwyane Wade’s statue at the same arena.

@krmethemc commented, “She been the goat, my first ever favorite player! The reason I picked up a basketball 🫂🔥”

“D Wade somewhere pissed,” @vibesofessence joked.

“Salute to a real one Inglewoods own 🔥 Lisa Leslie 🫡,” @russianrullet said.

“When I think of WNBA I think of her,” @quair_ramik commented.

“I don’t like it they could have done better congratulations 🎊 Ms Lisa,” @lakecoco28 weighed in.

“When I think of women’s basketball I think of Lisa Leslie!!! 🔥🔥🔥I love this for the history of women’s basketball,” @spunkybumper wrote.

“IMO the statues never look good, we just got overlook that and appreciate the honor lol,  @ux2_dion commented.

“Congratulations to Lisa, but my girl doesn’t need a stepping stool to dunk. 👏🏾🔥,” @hartramon7996 said.

“Best most accurate statue I’ve ever seen of any ball player, especially African-American❤️😍,” @_liltizzy commented.

“She got the best statue out of everybody,” @demitritaughtme added.

“She a legend 🔥 but they should’ve eased up on the skin tone 😂,” @_kingtay94 wrote.

@aluberanon said, “She deserves it lol a lot of people probably didn’t even know what the WNBA was before her.” 

“Whoever did hers needs to do everyone in the WNBA and NBA…and redo Dwyane Wade’s too 😂,” @som3bodysdaddy added.

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Chrisean Rock celebrated with Chrisean Jr. and her mom after recently winning her professional boxing debut.

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Chrisean Rock Celebrates With Junior & Her Mom After Winning Professional Boxing Debut

Chrisean Rock’s debut boxing match went down on Saturday, September 19, at the Hyatt Regency in Baltimore, Maryland.

On Friday, September 18, Rock shared footage of herself at the weigh-in.

Ultimately, Rock won the match when her opponent, KuShiya Williams, forfeited in the second round.

“I Only took a Knee Because only YAHWEH DESERVES ALL PRAISES a win just another Victory Praise YESHUA THANK YOU JESUS FOR CREATING a space for me to thrive 😭,” Rock wrote alongside footage of the moment she won the match.

Subsequently, Rock shared photos and videos of the moments surrounding her boxing win — some clips even showed her celebrating alongside Chrisean Jr. and her mom.

Social Media Reacts To Chrisean Rock Winning Professional Boxing Debut

Social media users shared over 7,000 reactions to Chrisean Rock winning her professional boxing debut in TSR’s comment section.

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Chrisean Jr.’s Mom Has Another Boxing Match Coming Up

As The Shade Room previously reported, Chrisean Rock got emotional after her sister Tesehki lost a boxing match to Big Lex. Additionally, Rock noted her desire to hop in the ring with Lex.

Lex agreed to the challenge, per The Shade Room. Now, the pair are apparently gearing up to hop in the ring as well.

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An Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent reportedly shot Wilber Rafael Garcés Perez, a DoorDash delivery driver, on Sunday, September 20.

RELATED: UPDATE: New Details Emerge About Second Minneapolis ICE Shooting Victim As Public Outrage Intensifies (VIDEO)

ICE Agent Reportedly Shoots DoorDash Driver Wilber Rafael Garcés Perez In Texas

An ICE agent shot a DoorDash delivery driver on Sunday as he worked, according to CBS News.

According to Garcés Perez’s lawyer, Kate Lincoln-Goldfinch, he was shot below his neck, in his back, per NewsNation. ICE agents were reportedly looking for the man because they had a deportation order. Wilber is reportedly legally married to a woman with legal status in the U.S., per NPR. The shooting occurred just before 1 p.m. at Anderson Square and Research Boulevard under an overpass.

In addition, his lawyer said that the 28-year-old called his wife right after the shooting to say he’d been shot.

“Even if he did have a final order of removal, he did not deserve to be shot in the back of the neck,” Lincoln-Goldfinch said, adding he “was shot below his neck in his back.”

Garcés Perez’s Attorney Says Wife Was Not Allowed To See Him

Lincoln-Goldfinch told NPR that she and Wilber’s wife were escorted off the property at the Dell Seton Medical Center in Austin while trying to find information about his health status.

“We were told that he was at this hospital, so we came back, and they have run us off the property,” she said. “We have been informed that if he’s in ICE custody, they will decline to confirm that he’s here. And no one has updated her about his status.”

Furthermore, she told NBC News that they were lied to and treated like trespassers.

“We not only were lied to and told that he wasn’t there, but we were thrown off the hospital grounds by several officers who treated us as trespassers,” Lincoln-Goldfinch added. “We are deeply concerned that his wife and family have not been permitted to see him and have not received a meaningful update regarding his current condition or whereabouts…. No one has told me or Wilber’s wife what the treatment was or how he’s doing, and I feel very confident he is in a lot of pain right now as we speak.”

Congressman Greg Casar (D-Texas) called for an independent investigation into the ICE shooting on X.

“The horror has come to our city,” he wrote on X. “ICE has shot a person in Austin this morning. As the facts emerge, I am demanding a full, independent investigation, immediate release of the body camera footage, and accountability for any ICE officer who broke the law. Over and over, ICE has shot people and then lied about what happened. We can see the lies with our own eyes. We will demand truth, transparency and accountability.”

Austin Mayor Kirk Watson reportedly noted that the hospital administrator revealed that Wilber was released into ICE custody.

“A person being shot on the streets of Austin by someone purporting to be law enforcement, particularly when it’s ICE, is something that causes me to be unhappy and angry,” said Watson at a subsequent news conference, per NBC News. “While I’m unhappy and I’m angry about it, I’m not surprised at all.”

Department Of Homeland Security Calls Wilber An “Illegal Alien”

On Monday, September 21, the Department of Homeland Security shared a statement on X following the shooting. Additionally, the statement referred to Wilber as “an illegal alien.” Furthermore, the statement claims that Wilber is in federal custody and in “stable” condition.

“Homeland Security Investigations, with the assistance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, is leading the investigation into the officer involved shooting of an illegal alien from Venezuela, who illegally entered our country under the Biden administration and had a final order of removal, during a law enforcement operation today in Austin, TX,” it states. “The illegal alien’s condition is stable, and he is in federal custody pending removal. This is a developing situation, and we will update the public when more information becomes available.”

According to CNN, two teenagers were recently beaten by ICE in Alamo, Texas. The boys were reportedly on their way to enlist in the Marines.

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Social media users are split after streamer Bonnie Rabbit appeared to say the N-word during a livestream, sparking backlash online.

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Viral Clip Shows Streamer Saying N-Word On Livestream

A viral clip circulating online appears to show streamer Bonnie Rabbit saying the N-word during a livestream on Saturday, Sept. 19. In the clip, Bonnie appears to read a comment from her chat that includes the racial slur. She then seemingly repeats the word, then says “oh,” and covers her mouth. Bonnie laughs before saying she was going to end the stream. Her camera briefly goes black, but she soon returns and continues streaming.

“That was a mistake. I’m sorry. I feel bad,” Bonnie says.

She later addressed the moment, saying she does not use the slur casually or off-stream.

“I don’t say it casually, I don’t say it off stream … I’m not sitting here ripping it,” she said.

As the clip continued circulating, another video resurfaced that appeared to show Bonnie using the slur while riding in a car with fellow streamer Cinna. In the clip, the two appear to be singing along to Drake’s ‘Marvin’s Room’ when Bonnie seemingly says the N-word. Cinna then pauses the music, and Bonnie appears to respond that she said “new guy,” claiming that was the lyric in the censored version.

The resurfaced clip has added to the conversation, with social media users debating Bonnie’s explanation and the context surrounding both moments.

Social Media Reacts

The clips quickly sparked mixed reactions online, with some users criticizing Bonnie’s explanation while others argued that the context behind the comment matters.

Instagram user @z.aayy_ wrote, “The way she brushed over it so easy and fast.. she definitely be spamming it off stream 😭”

Another Instagram user @0h_thatslala wrote, “if it wasn’t something that you said casually then it shouldn’t be something that just a slip”

While Instagram user @j.zmennn wrote, “I must be different, cuz as long as you not using it in an offensive way or hard -R then cool. It’s a word.

Instagram user @mandaa.maeee wrote, “whole time she saying it on purpose for more engagement 😂😂😂 god bless”

Another Instagram user @1.davvv__ wrote, “It’s 2026 just let evb say it”

While Instagram user @gonergirr wrote, “the comments show exactly why they continue to say it, yall cool with too much disrespect.”

Instagram user @prettyylicioussxo wrote, “it’s cause yall let her slide the first ‘accident’ now she just feel comfortable saying it.”

Another Instagram user @12tnfn wrote, “She’s not using it in a disrespectful way so why does it matter 🤷🏽‍♂️”

While Instagram user @gagtacobella wrote, “it’s yall saying it’s not that serious but won’t say no one else slur 😂😂😂 like it’s one word and it’s not hard to not say”

Wardrobe Winter Addresses Bonnie’s Controversial Moment

As the clips continue circulating online, the conversation has extended beyond social media commenters, with some of Bonnie Rabbit’s peers and fellow content creators also weighing in. One creator who spoke out was Wardrobe Winter, who took to his Instagram Story with a message in response to the viral clip.

The 17-year-old creator shared his thoughts on the situation, writing:

“Anyone associated with @bonnierabbit please let me know now. As a Black creator, I don’t find this funny at all. Those words should never roll off your tongue, especially when you already know you’re not supposed to say them. But at least we know your character now. It’s okay — the truth always reveals itself,” Wardrobe wrote.

Related: ‘Love Island USA’ Bombshell Alannah Keyser’s Dad Comes To Her Defense Amid Resurfaced Posts Allegedly Showing Her Using The N-Word

A Saturday night gathering in Sanford, Florida, took a serious turn after gunfire erupted in the area, sending police rushing to the scene. Authorities are now working to piece together what happened as several people were injured, including two victims who remain in critical condition.

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Police Respond After Gunfire Erupts In Crowd

According to Sanford police, officers responded to the area of West 10th Street and Poplar Avenue shortly after receiving a call about 9:54 p.m. Officials said shots were fired toward a crowd gathered in the street during a social gathering, leaving at least eight people injured.

Two Victims Reportedly In Critical Condition

Sanford Police Public Information Officer Nicole Brown initially reported a minimum of six victims, including two people in critical condition, before the department later updated the total to eight victims. Authorities had not immediately released the ages of those injured.

“It seems like an isolated incident, but at this time it’s unconfirmed. But, again, if you see something, say something. As we always say, call us if you see something suspicious, somebody riding around that you don’t know or they seem suspicious, call us and we’ll definitely come out and check them out,” Brown said.

Police Are Still Working To Determine What Led To The Shooting

Police had not announced any arrests at the time of the report. The circumstances that led to the shooting also remained unclear. Brown said authorities did not know whether there was more than one shooter. Officers indicated that the scene was secure and there was no immediate threat to the public.

Authorities are asking anyone who may have information about the shooting to contact law enforcement. Brown also encouraged residents to report anything they consider suspicious. Investigators were treating the incident as potentially isolated, though that had not yet been confirmed.

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When it comes to clocking the tea, y’all know Latto will always step in and check whoever about whatever! And that’s exactly the energy she brought after folks online started sharing their opinions about her and her sister Brooklyn Nikole’s viral family farm video. The funny sibling vlog immediately had fans talking, but Big Mama didn’t let the chatter slide. She seemingly came through with a subliminal message that made it clear she peeped the shade.

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Latto & Brooklyn Nikole Bring Fans Along For Some Family Farm Fun

Recently, Latto and her sister Brooklyn Nikole dropped a TikTok vlog giving fans a peek at their family’s farm. The now-viral clip shows the sisters cruising around in a golf cart, showing off their chickens, cows, barns and even squeezing in a lil’ farm fit check. Latto and Brooklyn laughed and joked about farm life, but chileee, the video had some folks feeling a way! Some accused the girlies of “cosplaying,” while others brought Latto’s background into the conversation, pointing out that the she’s biracial.

Big Mama Appears To Clock The Shade After Family Farm Video Sparks Online Debate

Well, it looks like Big Mama ended up peeping some of the chatter. Shortly after Brooklyn shared the vlog, Latto reposted lyrics from Karrahbooo’s ‘Inside The Booth’ record on her Instagram Story. The screenshot showed Karrahboo’s bars which said, “They sit on the internet debating ’bout my race.” 

Social Media Pops OFF After Latto Reposts Lyrics About Race

Once fans caught Latto’s repost, they immediately started speculating that Big Mama was clocking the reactions to her and Brooklyn’s farm video. Reactions to Latto’s repost continued to pop OFF over in The Shade Room’s comment section. Some folks said they already know Latto is biracial, so there’s nothing to debate. Meanwhile, others said they’re too busy debating gas prices and grocery bills to worry about Big Mama’s race right now.

Instagram user @mz_microphone wrote, “Lattoooo pleasseeeee not right now gas is $15,000 a gallon!!! 😂😂😂😂😂😂” 

Instagram user @tteresa_mendoza wrote, “Girl chill. Hell folks think I’m Russian when my mom and dad black asf lol.” 

While Instagram user @daijaxessence wrote, “Y’all proving her point in the comments 😂😂” 

porshadeshannon wrote, “What’s there to debate? Her name was Mulatto at one point. 🥴” 

Then Instagram user @ranellroy wrote, “Gas prices is $7 a gallon Latto. Ain’t nobody worried about your race right now.” 

Another Instagram user @fintech_barbie_ wrote, “We’ve seen her parents. Her dad is black, her mom is white. Who’s debating and why? 😂” 

Then another Instagram user @lexiiuniverse wrote, “Girl I’m busy debating between grocery prices and gas prices 😂😂” 

While another Instagram user @yoke_87 wrote, “If y’all wasn’t she got y’all talking now.” 

Lastly, Instagram user @moodyg.rl wrote, “Why Latto got so many people this mad😭😭😭😭” 

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