Ed Sheeran told fans he felt abandoned by friends and family during a turbulent week that saw him become embroiled in a row over freedom of speech, the Israel-Gaza conflict and changes to his US tour line-up.

The singer made the comments during a concert in Philadelphia, where he reflected on criticism he has faced following the removal of rapper Macklemore from his tour.

According to reports, the decision led to other support acts and members of the house band withdrawing in solidarity with the rapper.

Speaking to a crowd of around 50,000 fans, Sheeran said the episode had prompted him to reconsider his career and left him questioning who he could rely on.

"In these situations you really find out who your friends are," he told the audience. The singer said he had faced calls to cancel his Loop Tour, while also feeling that some people close to him had distanced themselves.

"Everyone's telling me to cancel and I'm feeling all of my friends and family and people I know abandon me," he said.

Sheeran contrasted the reaction from critics with the support he had received from concertgoers, telling fans that the turnout at the show had helped him through a difficult period.

The controversy began after Macklemore was removed from a performance at Gillette Stadium. Stadium owner Robert Kraft said he would not "provide a platform for hate speech" following comments made by the rapper at previous performances, where he had voiced support for Palestine.

The dispute intensified when some artists withdrew from Sheeran's tour in response.

The singer also revealed he had assembled a replacement backing band at short notice, with musicians given just three days to learn his catalogue. He told fans that concerns over security had also affected recent performances.

Sheeran said he had removed a smaller stage traditionally placed among the audience, explaining that he had feared objects could be thrown at him and that he had become concerned for his safety.

Addressing the wider political debate, the Suffolk-born musician said he had never intended to become an activist artist but felt unable to stay silent.

"I've had to take, and make, difficult decisions, and I am making mistakes and I'm so, so sorry for them," he said.

He added that the conflict was "the most complex political issue on the planet" before condemning both the October 7 attacks in Israel and the humanitarian impact of the war in Gaza.

"What happened in Israel and at the Nova music festival on October 7 was horrific," he said.

Sheeran also described the situation in Gaza as "catastrophic and unjustifiable and disproportionate", adding that he had been deeply affected by the loss of civilian lives.