Will.i.am hits back after being criticised for shout out to London at Manchester benefit concert

Will.i.am has slammed critics who mocked him for his shout out to London at the One Love Manchester benefit concert.

Will.i.am riled viewers after he shouted “what's up London” while taking to the stage with the Black Eyed the Peas at the Emirates Old Trafford cricket ground.

The 42-year-old singer explained his decision to mention the capital after Twitter users joked that he had forgotten which city he was in.

He tweeted: “There was an attack in London last night...I was paying homage and showing love to London and Manchester...#UKlove #whereIStheLOVE truly?”

In response to one user who mocked the “awkward moment” will.i.am thanked the police “here in London”, he tweeted: “That's not awkward that's love... I also thanked the police in Manchester & both Mayors...everyone needs love during attacks of hate.”

Will.i.am performed Where is the Love? at Sunday night’s benefit concert which saw him encourage the crowd to raise one finger in the air to send a message of “togetherness”.

He said: “We’re showing love to Manchester and London right now, put your hands in the air in the name of love.”

“Manchester, London, we are here and we are together and we are one. Put one finger in the air if you’re about oneness and togetherness.

The star-studded concert was set up by Ariana Grande to raise money for the victims and families of those affected by the terror attack at her Manchester MEN arena gig on May 22.

The One Last Time singer told concert-goers that she had met with the mother of 15-year-old victim Olivia Campbell-Hardy ahead of the gig, who said told her that her daughter “wouldn't have wanted her to cry” but would have wanted her to “play all the hits”.

As a result Grande decided to “totally change” the entire set list.

Niall Horan, Miley Cyrus, Little Mix, Pharrell, Katy Perry, Justin Bieber, Take That and Robbie Williams all performed including Liam Gallagher who made a surprise appearance.