Ed Sheeran addresses Gaza controversy during emotional Philadelphia concert

Ed Sheeran became emotional on stage Saturday night while publicly addressing the war in Gaza and the controversy surrounding rapper Macklemore's removal as an opening act on his tour.

(NBC)- Ed Sheeran became emotional on stage Saturday night while publicly addressing the war in Gaza and the controversy surrounding rapper Macklemore’s removal as an opening act on his tour.

“What is happening in Gaza is catastrophic and unjustifiable and disproportionate,” Sheeran told the crowd in Philadelphia.

The singer spent several minutes discussing the controversy, acknowledging the Oct. 7 attack on Israel as “horrific” before speaking about Palestinians and conditions in the West Bank.

“The systemic injustice we’re seeing unfold in the West Bank cannot be overlooked,” Sheeran said.

Sheeran also apologized while discussing decisions made surrounding the tour.

“I’ve had to take and make difficult decisions, and I am making mistakes, and I’m so, so sorry,” he said.

Macklemore was dropped as an opening act following pro-Palestinian comments. The rapper has claimed New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, whose Kraft Group owns Gillette Stadium, helped rally other stadium owners and warned that Sheeran could be prevented from performing at certain venues if Macklemore remained on the tour.

Sheeran previously said the decision to change the opening act was made by the tour’s promoter. Kraft has said the decision was “not about diminishing the suffering of innocent Palestinians or denying anyone the right to advocate on their behalf.” Other supporting acts subsequently dropped out of the tour, including Sheeran’s house band.

Sheeran introduced a replacement act Saturday, telling the audience the performers agreed to join the tour despite knowing they could face criticism. Protesters gathered outside the Philadelphia venue Saturday while fans filled the stadium for the concert.

Sheeran appeared emotional as he addressed the crowd and concluded his remarks by saying, “America is a scary place right now. This gives hope.”