# Macklemore pro-Palestine concert controversy

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/macklemore-pro-palestine-concert-controversy
> Updated: 2026-09-07T23:16:45.000Z. Sources: 52. Developments: 2.

Rapper Macklemore has faced significant backlash following pro-Palestine performances during his opening sets for Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

During the performances, Macklemore wore a keffiyeh, chanted “Free Palestine,” and performed “Hind’s Hall,” a song referencing campus protests. Visuals of Gaza and demonstrations were also displayed on stadium screens. In response, the Israeli-American Council (IAC) launched a petition seeking the removal of Macklemore from the tour, arguing the platform was used to advance a “one-sided political agenda” rather than serving as a musical event.

The watchdog group StopAntisemitism also condemned the remarks, describing them as anti-Israel propaganda. Singer Pink weighed in by sharing a post from a watchdog group that condemned the remarks as “anti-Israel propaganda,” while Boy George also expressed disapproval of the slogan used, suggesting it offered the “appearance of moral courage without requiring much political knowledge.”

Macklemore responded via social media and stage remarks, stating his message is for peace and that criticizing Israel or apartheid is not an attack on Jewish people. He addressed his audience directly, stating, “To all of my Jewish brothers and sisters: criticism of Israel, criticism of apartheid, being against genocide in no way is a criticism of you,” and asserting that “wanting all humans to be treated equal should never be controversial.” While some audience members reported feeling targeted and walked out, others defended the rapper’s advocacy. Ed Sheeran has not publicly commented on the matter.

## Claims

- Macklemore used his performance at MetLife Stadium to call for a ‘Free Palestine’. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Macklemore stated that criticizing Israel, apartheid, or genocide is not a criticism of Jewish people. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Macklemore stated that wanting all humans to be treated equally should not be controversial. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The Israeli-American Council filed a petition demanding Macklemore be removed from Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Macklemore dedicated a song to the Columbia University students involved in the encampment movement. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The watchdog group StopAntisemitism condemned Macklemore’s remarks as anti-Israel propaganda. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-07: Macklemore defends pro-Palestine remarks at Ed Sheeran concert

Macklemore faces calls to be removed from Ed Sheeran’s tour after making pro-Palestine remarks and displaying Gaza imagery at MetLife Stadium, sparking debate over political messaging at concerts.

36 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/macklemore-faces-backlash-over-pro-palestine-remarks-at-ed-sheeran-concert

### 2026-09-05: Macklemore faces removal petition from Ed Sheeran tour after pro-Palestine set

Macklemore faces a petition to be removed from Ed Sheeran’s tour after delivering pro-Palestinian speeches and performing protest songs at MetLife Stadium.

19 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/macklemore-faces-backlash-after-political-speech-at-ed-sheeran-concert

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Cite as: Macklemore pro-Palestine concert controversy. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/macklemore-pro-palestine-concert-controversy