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Macklemore defends pro-Palestine remarks at Ed Sheeran concert
Rapper Macklemore has sparked significant controversy after expressing support for Palestine during his opening performances for Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. During his set, Macklemore wore a keffiyeh, shouted “Free Palestine,” and performed his protest song “Hind’s Hall” while images of Gaza were displayed on stadium screens.
The Israeli-American Council (IAC) launched a petition calling for Sheeran and tour organizers to remove Macklemore from the remaining U.S. dates, arguing that the concert was not a political rally and that the rapper was using a global platform to promote a “one-sided political agenda.”
Macklemore defended his actions on social media, stating that his message was about peace and equality and was “in no way a criticism” of Jewish people. He emphasized that wanting all humans to be treated equally should not be controversial. The incident also drew reactions from other artists; singer Pink shared a post from StopAntisemitism criticizing the performance, while Boy George criticized the use of such slogans.
Ed Sheeran has not publicly addressed the controversy or the petition. Macklemore remains part of the tour schedule.
Entities
Ed Sheeran · Israeli-American Council · Macklemore · MetLife Stadium · Pink
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 2 SOURCES] Macklemore dedicated a song to the Columbia University students involved in the encampment movement. www.complex.com · www.ladbible.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Macklemore stated that criticizing Israel, apartheid, or genocide is not a criticism of Jewish people. internewscast.com · www.complex.com · www.ladbible.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] The Israeli-American Council filed a petition demanding Macklemore be removed from Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour. www.complex.com · www.ladbible.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Macklemore used his performance at MetLife Stadium to call for a ‘Free Palestine’. internewscast.com · www.complex.com · www.ladbible.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Macklemore stated that wanting all humans to be treated equally should not be controversial. internewscast.com · www.complex.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The watchdog group StopAntisemitism condemned Macklemore’s remarks as anti-Israel propaganda. internewscast.com