UPDATE 1 — Ed Sheeran's fans back singer after controversy over Macklemore, Palestinians

Ed Sheeran performs for first time since Macklemore was removed from US tour Fans attending Saturday's concert said they still support Sheeran Macklemore said saying 'Free Palestine' was worthwhile even if it cost him performances Other opening acts for Sheeran have quit in solidarity with Macklemore (Updates with fresh Sheeran quotes, see paragraphs 2-4) By Aleksandra Michalska and Nolan D. McCaskill PHILADELPHIA, Sept 19 (Reuters) — Ed Sheeran fans attending the pop star's Philadelphia concert on Saturday said they still support the English singer-songwriter despite a controversy over Macklemore being pulled from the tour over his remarks on Palestine. Addressing the issue from the stage, Sheeran told the crowd he had made "mistakes" and apologized to fans. Sheeran said he has tried to avoid being "a political commentator of any kind" but could no longer hide his feelings. Although the October 7 attack by Hamas was "horrific," Sheeran said, according to Variety, adding, "What is happening in Gaza is catastrophic and unjustifiable, and disproportionate." Sheeran said he was having conversations about contributing to help "victims of these terrible times, and listening and learning