Ed Sheeran left in tears as he admits to ‘mistakes’ during ‘worst week of my life’ following Palestine row

“I’ve had to take and make difficult decisions, and I am making mistakes, and I’m so so sorry,” Mr Sheeran told the crowd at the start of the show.

It was his first performance since the controversy erupted following Macklemore’s appearances at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on September 4 and 5.

Mr Sheeran acknowledged at the outset the impact that the week’s backlash had. “I’m used to my music being criticised, and I’m always happy to take that because I’m lucky,” he said. “But this week, the criticism was about something much more important.”

The singer told the Philadelphia crowd he had never aspired to be a politically outspoken performer, yet the fallout had thrust him into “the middle of an important and passionate argument about freedom of speech and the most complex political issue on the planet.”

He stressed that honouring his commitment to ticket-holders was fundamental to who he is, explaining that this was precisely why he had chosen to appear alone and press ahead with the tour.

Mr Sheeran then broke his long-held reluctance to comment publicly on the Middle East conflict. “What is happening in Gaza is catastrophic and unjustifiable and disproportionate,” he declared, adding: “Our hearts have been broken by the scale and devastation and loss of civilians’ lives, of children’s lives.”

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He also condemned the systemic injustice unfolding in the West Bank, saying it “cannot be overlooked.”

The singer did not shy away from addressing the events of October 7 either, describing the attack on the Nova Music Festival in Israel as “horrific” and something that “compounded centuries of Jewish pain.”

Mr Sheeran told the audience he was already in discussions with people across the spectrum about how best to contribute to helping victims, acknowledging that he still had much to learn.

The chain of events began when Macklemore, whose real name is Benjamin Haggerty, spoke about the conflict in Gaza and told the MetLife Stadium audience to “free Palestine” during his opening set.

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He also performed Hind’s Hall, his 2024 protest track in support of Palestinians. Several Jewish and pro-Israel organisations, including the Israeli-American Council, subsequently called for his removal.

Messina Touring Group, the promoter handling the US leg, then confirmed the 43-year-old rapper would not appear on remaining dates. Gillette Stadium owner Robert Kraft reportedly assembled several tour venues to deliver an ultimatum over Macklemore’s continued involvement.

Soon after, Danish group Lukas Graham, Irish singer Aaron Rowe, Billie Eilish’s brother and collaborator Finneas, and Mr Sheeran’s longtime backing band Beoga all withdrew, each citing Macklemore’s removal as their reason.

During his Philadelphia performance, Mr Sheeran addressed the decision to remove Macklemore. “I am deeply worried about the idea that venues should pre-approve content of a performance,” he said, noting that while this occurs in many countries where he tours, “it should never happen in the free world.”

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Outside Lincoln Financial Field, pro-Palestine demonstrators gathered before the show. “Globalise the intifada. F*** your concert, f*** your fans. Palestine is our demand,” protesters chanted.

Despite the turmoil, Mr Sheeran insisted his concerts would remain spaces where everyone is welcome regardless of their views.