Macklemore Courageously Demands 'Free Palestine' at Ed Sheeran Concert, Faces Backlash from Pro-Israel Lobby
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Rapper Macklemore used his platform as Ed Sheeran's opening act at MetLife Stadium to boldly call for 'Free Palestine' and highlight global struggles, sparking a reactionary petition from the Israeli American Council seeking to silence his advocacy.
Macklemore, performing as the opening act for Ed Sheeran at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Friday, used his stage time to shine a spotlight on oppressed peoples worldwide, including a powerful call to 'Free Palestine' and support for regions like Cuba, the Congo, Sudan, and Iran. Addressing the audience, he reminded everyone that the people of Gaza and the occupied West Bank are not forgotten, declaring, 'I believe that every human being walking on this earth deserves exactly the same freedom.' Macklemore fearlessly repeated these remarks at the following night’s show in New Jersey, refusing to be silenced.
Predictably, the Israeli American Council, a pro-Israel lobbying group, responded by launching a petition demanding Macklemore be removed from the remaining dates of the Loop tour. The petition attempts to frame the concert as apolitical, ignoring the urgent need to use global platforms to raise awareness about injustice and occupation.
In addition to his solidarity with Palestine, Macklemore criticized the abuses of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Earlier in 2024, he released the song 'Hind’s Hall,' directly confronting Israel’s actions in Gaza, and committed all proceeds to humanitarian relief through the United Nations Relief and Works Agency, demonstrating his unwavering support for those suffering under occupation and violence.