Ed Sheeran scolded by police over "illegal" busking
Ed Sheeran has been awkwardly scolded by police in India who demanded he shut down a free street performance.
While on tour in India, the British singer-songwriter set up on the side of a road to perform stripped-back versions of his biggest hits, attracting a crowd in the city of Bengaluru.
It was initially alleged that the singer didn't get permission to stage a public show and was collared by Cubbon Park Police.
With the awkward moment captured on video, Sheeran was approached by police while he was singing his hit song Shape of You.
The officer then proceeded to unplug his microphone, much to the dismay of fans watching on.
Sheeran later took to Instagram to explain the situation, saying he was allowed to be busking in the city.
He said, “We had permission to busk btw, hence us playing in that exact spot. (It) was planned out before, it wasn’t just us randomly turning up.”
Fans of the star took to social media to lash out at police, with one remarking, “We live in an uncleocracy. And there’s nothing uncles love more than to stop young people from having fun."
The incident even reached the country’s politicians, with PC Mohan, a local MP from the ruling BJP party, saying on social media that “even global stars must follow local rules – no permit, no performance!”
Image credits: Instagram