Ed Sheeran addressed the controversy surrounding Macklemore's removal from his Loop Tour on Saturday night, speaking from the stage at Philadelphia's Lincoln Financial Field during his first concert since the rapper was dropped from the trek.

Ed Sheeran's concert Saturday drew heightened attention after a week of statements and fallout following Macklemore's dismissal. Our report.

The concert at Lincoln Financial Field is now scheduled for 8 p.m., moved back from the previously advertised 5:30 p.m. start after the remaining opening acts withdrew from Sheeran’s U.S. Loop Tour. Local station 6abc also reported that the show would proceed without support acts.

Palestine protest, the pop singer returns to the stage in Philadelphia.

Some Ed Sheeran fans say they are excited to enjoy music and are not there for politics after Macklemore was dropped from the tour for making pro-Palestinian comments.

The singer made addressed the audience after his support acts, including Finneas and Lukas Graham, withdrew from his tour.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Ed Sheeran is set to resume his tour Saturday — possibly solo — after all his supporting acts withdrew in solidarity with opener Macklemore, who was dropped after making pro-Palestinian comments onstage.

The singer-songwriter began his Philadelphia show on Saturday night by apologizing for “mistakes” and saying he felt compelled to speak out about the “humanitarian issue.”

Large crowds are expected to protest at Gillette Stadium this week for Ed Sheeran following Macklemore’s exit. Protestors showed up to Sheeran’s Philly show over the weekend, and a larger protest is reportedly set for this weekend outside one of Sheeran’s concerts at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough this week,