Ed Sheeran ran into trouble with Indian authorities when police stopped him from busking in Bengaluru. Videos show Sheeran, dressed casually, playing “Shape of You” on a sidewalk as a crowd sings along. A police officer then unplugs his microphone, drawing jeers from onlookers.

Officials said Sheeran was performing on one of the city’s busiest streets without permission. Police had denied his team’s request due to heavy foot traffic. “Church Street gets very crowded,” explained Shekar T Tekkannanavar, a deputy commissioner. “That is the reason he was asked to vacate the place.”

Sheeran, who started his career busking in London, maintained he had permission. “Us playing in that exact spot was planned out before, it wasn’t just randomly turning up,” he wrote on Instagram, adding, “All good though.”

Local lawmakers supported the police, with parliament member P. C. Mohan stating, “Even global stars must follow local rules — no permit, no performance!”

Sheeran remains a fan favorite in India and is performing in Bengaluru as part of his “Mathematics” tour. High ticket demand led to a second show in the city. During his performance, he sang “Chuttamalle” in Telugu alongside Indian singer Shilpa Rao.