Macklemore is standing behind his pro-Palestinian message after his remarks during Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour sparked criticism and calls for him to be removed from the remaining dates.
Macklemore responded Monday, September 7, after sharing video from his opening set at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. “Wanting all humans to be treated equal should never be controversial,” the Seattle rapper wrote alongside footage of his speech.
During the September 5 show, Macklemore told the crowd that part of his reason for joining Ed Sheeran on tour was to say “Free Palestine” on stages across the country. He said he wanted people in Gaza and the West Bank to know they had not been forgotten before introducing his protest song “Hind’s Hall.”
Macklemore also addressed Jewish listeners directly, saying his criticism of Israel was “in no way a criticism of you.” He described his message as one of peace and equal dignity, while also calling for freedom for people in Lebanon, Cuba, Congo and Sudan.
The remarks drew pushback from the Israeli-American Council, which launched a petition calling on Sheeran to remove Macklemore from the remaining U.S. dates. The organization argued that an Ed Sheeran concert should not be used to advance what it described as a one-sided political agenda.
The reaction has not been uniform. CBS New York reported that some concertgoers criticized the political messaging while others supported Macklemore’s decision to use the stage to express his views.
Macklemore has shown no indication that he is backing away from his position. His latest response instead framed the controversy around equal treatment for all people, continuing a public stance on Palestine that he has voiced through his music and live performances.
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