Macklemore is pushing back against criticism over his “Free Palestine” message during Ed Sheeran’s MetLife Stadium concert, insisting his comments were about Palestinian freedom and civilian suffering — not an attack on Jewish people.
The rapper addressed the backlash Monday after his opening performance at Sheeran’s New Jersey shows sparked controversy and calls for him to be removed from the remaining U.S. dates.
During his set, Macklemore called for freedom for Palestinians and others around the world before performing his protest song “Hind’s Hall.”
Images related to Gaza were also displayed on the stadium screens during the performance.
The appearance quickly became a flashpoint, with an Israeli-American organization launching a petition calling on Sheeran to drop Macklemore from the rest of the tour.
Macklemore has now responded to the criticism, making a distinction between supporting Palestinians and targeting Jewish people.
The rapper said his message was focused on Palestinian freedom and opposition to the suffering of civilians, rather than criticism of Jews as a people.
Macklemore has been outspoken about the Israel-Palestine conflict for years. His position was also reflected in “Hind’s Hall,” which he released in 2024 amid pro-Palestinian campus demonstrations.
The controversy has also drawn attention from fellow musician Pink, who reposted a StopAntisemitism message criticizing Macklemore’s appearance.
Meanwhile, Sheeran has not publicly addressed the controversy or calls for Macklemore to be removed from the tour, according to the supplied report.
For now, Macklemore remains part of Sheeran’s tour, leaving the rapper’s political message — and the backlash surrounding his appearance — firmly in the spotlight.
