Ed Sheeran has apologised to fans for making mistakes during a solo concert in Philadelphia, where he addressed the decision to drop rapper Macklemore from his tour.
The British singer's comments came after Macklemore was removed from the lineup following pro-Palestinian remarks he made on stage in early September.
Sheeran told the audience on Saturday that he had never wanted to be an activist musician, but that the situation had put him in the middle of an important and passionate debate about freedom of expression and the most complex political issue on the planet.
Speaking in person for the first time since the controversy began, Sheeran described the Hamas-led attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023, as horrific, adding that they had aggravated centuries of Jewish suffering.
He also described the current situation in Gaza as catastrophic, unjustifiable and disproportionate.
Humanitarian issue
Sheeran insisted the decision to remove Macklemore was made by his promoters and not by him.
Acknowledging that he is used to criticism of his music, he told the crowd this situation felt different. He said the criticism this week was about something much more important, that he had been forced to make difficult decisions, and that he was making mistakes and was very sorry.
The singer explained he wanted to address his stance on Israel and Palestine, and whether performing at the concert implied a position.
Sheeran said he had historically avoided political comments to ensure his concerts remained about unity rather than division. However, he described the conflict as a humanitarian issue, adding that he could no longer hide how he felt about it.
Sheeran told the audience it pained him deeply to see the magnitude of the devastation and the loss of civilian and children's lives. He added that the systemic injustice unfolding in the West Bank could not be ignored.
He said he was looking for ways to help victims while he continues listening and learning about a subject he admits he does not know enough about.
Tour future uncertain
A visibly emotional Sheeran assured the audience his concert remains a place where everyone is welcome and where people can stand next to those with opposing opinions.
The singer admitted he does not know whether the tour will continue or if he still wants to be an artist, but said he had returned to the stage out of commitment to his fans.
He also raised concerns about the possibility of venues demanding to pre-approve artists or content beforehand, a remark that drew applause from the crowd.
Remaining tour dates include shows in North and South America. While Sheeran's previous tour was one of the highest-grossing in history, some ticket prices for the Philadelphia concert dropped as low as $32 (£24).
Some fans reported receiving refunds, though neither Ticketmaster nor promoter Messina Touring Group officially confirmed that money was being returned.
The concert started nearly three hours late but passed largely without incident, while protesters waved flags outside the stadium.
One protester, identified as Cooper, told the BBC he was there to support the struggle of the Palestinian people.
Cooper added that the United States needs more people like Macklemore and other artists with a public platform to speak on behalf of the Palestinian people and their struggle for liberation.
Gillette Stadium ban
The controversy began in early September when Macklemore performed a song dedicated to pro-Palestinian protesters and referred to a genocide in Gaza, a description Israel rejects.
The rapper later clarified that his criticism of Israel was not directed at his Jewish brothers and sisters.
Promoter Messina Touring Group justified Macklemore's exit by stating that venues such as Gillette Stadium in Boston would refuse to host the concerts if he took part.
Robert Kraft, the billionaire owner of the stadium and the New England Patriots American football team, confirmed he had banned Macklemore from Sheeran's upcoming dates.
Kraft, who is Jewish, accused the rapper of hate speech and said he was only sharing selective information and ignoring the actions of Hamas.
In response to Macklemore's exclusion, several guest artists have abandoned the tour in solidarity, citing a chilling effect on freedom of expression.
They include Irish singer-songwriter Aaron Rowe, and Danish musician Lukas Graham and his band Beoga.
