Little Mix star Jade Thirlwall told fans in the North East she would "pull down" the St George's flag, which has been placed on the iconic Angel of the North statue, if she could.
The comments sparked a divided reaction, but many fans of the singer admitted they were "disappointed".
During a free concert near the landmark, the 32-year-old paused to talk about the recent pattern of displaying the St George's and Union Jack flags across the country in what started as a campaign entitled Raise the Colours.
While the crowd seemed in agreement with her remarks, some expressed disappointment online.
Jade Thirlwell made the comments during an impromptu gig
|TIKTOK
"Why would you tear down the Saint George flag in England??" one asked.
A second responded: "Literally. I’m a huge JADE fan but this was disappointing to hear."
On X, one added: "I’m a big Jade stan, cannot wait to see her. But the f***? Who said once that different cultures and diversity was wrong? No one literally? Illegally entering is the problem. Nothing about diversity."
One argued: "I think Jade's words sound lovely, but aren't they a bit too simplistic for the messiness of real-world immigration debates?
Little Mix star Jade Thirlwell made the remarks on Thursday night
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"I mean, sure, diversity can bring vibrancy and cultural richness... the North East's got a fantastic blend of traditions, but what about the practical stuff?
"Housing, jobs, healthcare pressures? Don't those realities fuel the protests she's speaking against? Isn't it a bit idealistic to just celebrate togetherness without grappling with the tough questions?"
"Why do people don’t know the difference between legal and illegal immigration? Are they stupid or are they being dishonest?" someone else asked, while another fumed: "Needs to shut up."
However, many others defended her comments, with one sharing: "Respect to JADE for using her voice. not many celebs speak out this directly."
One more penned: "Diversity makes us stronger. The North East's cultural richness is its greatest asset against those hateful symbols on the street." (sic)
In a video posted by a fan on social media, Ms Thirlwall told adoring fans: "I just want to say... I'm just going to say it, actually.
"Today, I found out that there was a St George's flag on the Angel of the North."
The audience booed in response as the singer, who found fame on 2011's X Factor in the girl band Little Mix, continued: "And I just wanted to say that if I had a ladder, I'd pull it down."
The comment sparked cheers from the crowd as Ms Thirlwell went on: "I'm very proud to come from the North East. I am a product of immigration.
"And one of the best things about the North East is our diversity, it's our cultural hub, it's our respect for each other.
Someone placed a flag on the Angel of the North
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"It's being proud of your neighbours and celebrating that. You know, in South Shields - I grew up in a beautiful town.
"I lived in Laygate, which has a strong Yemeni community, which is my heritage and my ancestry, and I'm incredibly proud of that, and incredibly grateful for all of my neighbours and all of my friends that I grew up with - who never once, as a child, made me feel 'othered.'
"So I just want to say before I go that we must remember that we thrive off multiculturalism, we thrive with togetherness, that's not what the Angel of the North is about, so whatever is hanging up there right now..."
The performer went on to add: "Of course, we should be proud to be British, but that means so many things.
"So I just want to say that, and also, I want to say once more a huge thank you to all of you for being here."
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Jade Thirlwell found fame in Little Mix through The X Factor in 2011
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Ms Thirlwall became emotional as she continued: "I'm so, so grateful - I've literally cried every day this week.
"I'm very emotional, I just feel so blessed and honoured to have your support, it really does mean everything, and I'll never forget where I've come from."
The speech came as hundreds gathered at the North East landmark for a free concert from the singer to celebrate the launch of her new album.
She announced the impromptu gig just hours before via social media ahead of the midnight release of That's Showbiz Baby.
The post read: "Going live from the Angel of the North at 9pm tonight. Anyone fancy coming down?"