Macklemore doubles down on anti‑Israel remarks after backlash from an Ed Sheeran concert. The rapper posted a defiant Instagram caption and repeated the chant on stage, refusing to apologize.
Controversy erupts over anti‑Israel remarks
He posted on Instagram, writing that wanting all humans to be treated equally should never be controversial. He also attached a video of his Saturday set in New Jersey.
“Free Palestine,” he shouted, “to all my Jewish brothers and sisters: criticism of Israel, criticism of apartheid, being against genocide in no way is a criticism of you. My message is for peace; love for all human beings to be treated with dignity, respect, and equality.”
He added, “Free Palestine, Free Lebanon, Free Cuba, Free Congo, Free Sudan, and free all people in America living in fear of this terrorist organization, ICE. None of us will be free until we are all free,” according to his speech.
The controversy began Friday night when he told the 80,000‑strong crowd that he wanted to “stand up in stadiums like this and say two words that are very near and dear to my heart: Free Palestine.” He then led chants of “Free Palestine.”
Wearing a keffiyeh, he performed his 2024 protest song “Hind’s Hall” while Gaza images and campus encampment footage played on the stadium screens.
The Israeli‑American Council responded by launching a petition demanding his removal from the rest of Sheeran’s “Loop Tour,” a move first reported by The Daily Wire.
The petition declared the event was a concert, not a political rally, and warned that freedom of expression does not equal freedom from responsibility.
Macklemore has been a vocal pro‑Palestinian activist since Hamas’ October 7 attack, calling Israel’s Gaza campaign a genocide at a Washington, D.C., rally in November.
Fans have questioned why Sheeran booked a controversial opening act, and the pop star has yet to comment as of Tuesday morning.
