Ed Sheeran addressed the controversy surrounding Macklemore’s removal from his stadium tour during his first concert since the rapper was dropped from the trek.The English singer hit the stage Saturday evening at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia without any supporting acts. Before beginning his set, the Shape of You hitmaker addressed the fans regarding what happened in the past week and apologized for the decisions he had made.“This is not usually how I would 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.”iHeartRadio z100's Jingle Ball 2025 Presented By Capital One - Show - Source: GettyEd Sheeran explained that he is accustomed to criticism surrounding his music and accepts it as part of his career.He added that the criticism this time involved a more serious issue and acknowledged that he had been forced to make difficult decisions.“I’m used to my music being criticized, and I’m always happy to take that because I’m lucky a lot of you like my stuff, and to be honest, I’m surprised. I’m not surprised that other people don’t. It’s normal. But this week, the criticism was about something much more important, and I’ve had to take and make difficult decisions, and I am making mistakes, and I’m so so sorry.”Ed Sheeran addresses talks on free speech and Israel-Gaza conflictEd Sheeran also addressed the wider debate surrounding free speech and the Israel-Gaza conflict, saying he never intended to become an activist musician.He said the situation had placed him in the middle of a deeply contested political discussion.“I have tried in my career not to be a political commentator of any kind, because I want my music and shows to be about unity, not division. But this is a humanitarian issue, and I cannot hide how I feel about it anymore. What happened in Israel and at the Nova Music Festival on Oct. 7 was horrific and compounded centuries of Jewish pain. What is happening in Gaza is catastrophic and unjustifiable, and disproportionate.”For Ed Sheeran, his concerts have always been intended as a safe space for everyone, and he described maintaining his commitment to his fans as essential to who he is.“I don’t want to disappoint fans, and I’ve never wanted to be an activist musician, but this has put me in the middle of an important and passionate argument about freedom of speech and the most complex political issue on the planet.”The message comes after Macklemore was removed from Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour following an onstage speech in which he expressed support for Palestinians.The decision sparked criticism from supporters of the rapper, while Ed Sheeran faced questions over his involvement in the situation.The English crooner concluded his remarks by explaining why he chose to continue the tour without an opening act for the Philadelphia performance.“My concerts have always been a safe space for everyone, and that matters hugely to me. Honoring my commitment to my fans is also completely essential to who I am, and that is why I’m here tonight on my own and continuing my current tour.”