Ed Sheeran has opened his Philadelphia concert solo as he returned to the stage days after Macklemore's controversy.
The Shape of You hitmaker is back on stage on Sunday, September 19th, after facing backlash for dropping the Summer Days singer after his "Free Palestine" slogan last week.
Before opening his show solo this time, Sheeran, 35, addressed the controversy and apologized to fans for disappointing them by cutting Macklemore from his shows.
"I've had to make difficult decisions, and I am making mistakes; I'm so, so sorry. I don't want to disappoint fans," he remarked.
At one point, Sheeran also seemed emotional as the chaotic week saw his entire opening lineup walk off his Loop tour, including Billie Eilish's brother, Finneas, Aaron Rowe, Beoga, and Lukas Graham.
"This is not usually how I open the show, but before I play some songs tonight, I hope it’s okay if I say a few words about this last week. I’m used to my music being criticised and always happy to take that because I’m lucky," he added.
The Photograph crooner further addressed the controversy, saying the week wasn’t about the music; it was about "something much more important," for which he had made difficult decisions and is still making mistakes.
Ed Sheeran and Macklemore's controversy
For context, the chaos emerged when Macklemore abruptly dropped from Ed Sheeran's support act after he made pro-Palestinian remarks during the live show.
Later, Macklemore said the Loop singer told him that Robert Kraft, the Kraft Group CEO who owns Gillette Stadium, had personally called to bar him from performing at the venue.
Despite publicly sharing his stance, Ed Sheeran continued to receive online hate for his insensitive take on the global issue.
During his Philadelphia show, he appeared solo; he introduced his replacement collaborator, Alicia Enstrom, and a new backing group mid-show.
Ed Sheeran receives hate at his Philadelphia concert
The hate did not stop with his opening remarks over the Macklemore controversy, as one fan was spotted holding a placard that read, "Mackle is More," and "Free Gaza."
Philadelphia show leaves Ed Sheeran in tears
Later, he was seen visibly in tears as he thanked fans, saying, "This gives hope, thank you so much, I will never stop doing this."
Here's why Ed Sheeran's Philadelphia show begin after delay?
However, Ed Sheeran also appeared to be unbothered by the protestors outside the Lincoln Financial Field concert. The protestors chanted, "Ed Sheeran is a clown" Due to the pro-Palestinian protestors, his concert was pushed back from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. as the fallout continued to unfold.
