Bono's essay on Nelson Mandela, published by Time mere minutes after news of the South African leader's death on Thursday, has caused quite a social media stir.
In the 1051-word piece titled "The Man Who Could Not Cry," Bono calls Mandela a "forceful presence" in his life since 1979, when he says U2 made its first stand against apartheid.
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"Irish people related all too easily to the subjugation of ethnic majorities," the divisive singer penned.
"Mandela lived a life without sanctimony. You try it; it’s not easy," he adds.
Many praised the U2 front man for his "beautiful" and "touching" tribute, others were less impressed:
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