Ed Sheeran admits 'mistakes' as he addresses Macklemore controversy
The mega-star singer spoke about the issue at his first concert since rapper Macklemore was removed from his tour and other artists dropped out.
Singer Ed Sheeran opened his latest concert alone onstage and apologised to his fans for making "mistakes" as he handled the fallout from the controversy over American rapper Macklemore being dropped from his tour over pro-Palestinian remarks.
"I never wanted to be an activist musician but this has put me in the middle of an important and passionate argument about free speech and the most complex political issue on the planet," he said.
Saturday's show at a Philadelphia sports stadium was the first time he has addressed the matter in person.
It was a stripped down event and Sheeran went on without opening acts after several musicians dropped out over the debacle.
"My concerts have always been a safe space for everyone," he said at the start of the show, adding that he is committed to fans and that is why he returned to the stage.
"Now, I want to address the question of where I stand in the situation in Israel and Palestine, and whether my doing this concert here tonight implies where I stand," he said.