Ed Sheeran apologised to fans for making 'mistakes' during his solo show in Philadelphia, addressing the controversy that has engulfed his tour. The singer responded to the fallout over rapper Macklemore being dropped from the tour for making pro-Palestinian remarks on stage earlier in September. Sheeran described the 7 October 2023 Hamas-led attacks as 'horrific' and called the situation in Gaza 'unjustifiable' in his first in-person remarks since the controversy began.

Several artists left the tour, while the price of tickets dropped and sales declined for the remaining US leg of his Loop Tour due to the controversy. Sheeran said the decision to drop Macklemore was made by his promoters, not him. The ensuing furore led the singer to tell the crowd he 'didn't know whether this tour would be carrying on' and 'whether I even wanted to be an artist at all', but that he had returned to the stage because he was committed to his fans.

Sheeran also said he took issue with the idea that venues would 'preapprove' content or performers, which received applause from the audience. His remaining tour dates are scheduled with shows set throughout North and South America. While the mega-star's previous tour was among the highest-grossing of all time, some ticket prices for this show dropped to $32 (£24). Fans also reported being able to get ticket refunds, though Ticketmaster and concert promoter Messina Touring Group did not confirm they were being reimbursed.

Some protesters waved flags outside the venue, but the concert proceeded largely unfettered. Of the handful of attendees who stopped to talk to the BBC, there was a sentiment of determination to enjoy an evening of music while at the same time supporting freedom of speech. One married couple, who paid $450 (£335) per ticket, said that they respected Macklemore's right to speak freely. A protester who gave his name as Cooper told the BBC that he came out 'to support the struggle for' the Palestinian people.

The controversy began in early September, when Macklemore performed a song dedicated to pro-Palestinian protesters, and referred to 'genocide' in Gaza, a description Israel rejects. The rapper also said criticism of Israel was not intended as criticism of 'my Jewish brothers and sisters'. Messina Touring Group said Macklemore was dropped because some venues - such as Gillette Stadium in Boston, Massachusetts - would refuse to let the concerts take place if he performed. Billionaire Robert Kraft, who owns Gillette Stadium and the American football team the New England Patriots, confirmed he had banned Macklemore from performing during the British singer's forthcoming shows. Kraft, who is Jewish, accused the US rapper of hate speech and said he was 'only sharing selective information and ignoring the actions of Hamas'.

Meanwhile, support acts including Irish singer-songwriter Aaron Rowe and Danish musician Lukas Graham and his backing band Beoga quit the tour in solidarity with Macklemore. The artists argued his removal represented a chilling effect on free speech.