How a tour spiraled into controversy

Share Save Add as preferred on Google Grace Eliza Goodwin and Carl Nasman , Philadelphia "I cannot hide how I feel anymore": Ed Sheeran addresses Macklemore row at show British singer Ed Sheeran is performing his first show since facing backlash over a controversial decision to drop rapper Macklemore from his tour.

The decision - which Sheeran said was made by his promoter, not by himself - stemmed from pro-Palestinian comments Macklemore made on stage earlier this month.

Sheeran addressed the controversy at the start of his set at a Philadelphia stadium on Saturday, saying he had made "mistakes" handling the fallout.

"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; about humanity, not politics. But this is a humanitarian issue, and I cannot hide how I feel about it anymore."