Ed Sheeran said the situation in Gaza is "unjustifiable," following a wave of criticism that he had failed to back his opening act who was booted from the tour after making pro-Palestinian comments.
The singer, who had previously maintained an apolitical stance, broke his silence on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in his first show since the controversy involving rapper Macklemore.
"What is happening in Gaza is catastrophic and unjustifiable and disproportionate," Sheeran said in Philadelphia.
Macklemore had declared "Free Palestine" at a New Jersey concert this month, drawing backlash from owners of US stadiums hosting future dates of Sheeran's Loop Tour.
The artist has denied being behind the decision to remove the rapper, instead blaming the tour promoter.
Four supporting acts subsequently walked out on the "Shape of You" singer, issuing public statements citing their support for Palestinians.
The groups that quit the tour included Sheeran's backing band as well as performer Finneas.
"I've had to take and make difficult decisions, and I am making mistakes, and I'm so so sorry," Sheeran told his audience.
Sheeran had been accused by critics of failing to stand up to the stadium owners, led by Robert Kraft, and was targeted by boycott calls.
A few dozen pro-Palestinian protesters rallied peacefully outside Lincoln Financial Field ahead of the concert, waving Palestinian flags and chanting "Free, free Palestine."
Some of the fans streaming into the stadium said they had hesitated about coming due to the controversy, but ultimately decided to attend and enjoy the music.
"He could have easily walked away from all of this, and he stood up, and he spoke up," said one fan after the show.
But others like Brandon Ateke changed their plans.
The 18-year-old Brown University student accused Sheeran of "complicity" with Kraft and others in silencing Macklemore.
"I decided to not attend the concert and instead attend the protest to bring light to the genocide going on in Gaza today," he told AFP.
The stadium was close to capacity, despite an uptake in ticket resales this week and a sharp drop in prices.
On Saturday, a pro-Palestinian group urged artists, fans and crew members to stay away from Sheeran's concerts.
"We now extend our call for boycotting Ed Sheeran's entire world tour, including the upcoming Latin American dates, and the as-yet-unannounced European leg," the Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel (PACBI) said.
He later brought on five musicians who he said had learned his songs in three days, thanking them for joining him "in a week when no one wants to stand on stage with me." — AFP
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