Pro-Israel group petitions Ed Sheeran to remove Macklemore from North American tour after rapper's Palestine remarks

Seattle rapper Macklemore delivered a speech during his opening set for Ed Sheeran at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, urging audiences to "Free Palestine" and expressing solidarity with other global causes. He also performed the song "Hind's Hall," which he says was inspired by Columbia University students who occupied Hamilton Hall in support of Palestinian rights. Macklemore posted video of the speech on Instagram.

The Israeli American Council responded by circulating a petition titled "Ed Sheeran - Your Show. Your Stage. Your Responsibility!" The petition argues that the concert is not a political rally and questions whether Macklemore's performance was pre-approved, calling for clarification of stage use policies. It also cites concerns about selective messaging and the association of the song with campus protests that involved trespassing and disruption.

The petition seeks to have Sheeran remove Mackermore from the tour and to establish clearer boundaries for political expression on the stage. The petition’s signature count was not disclosed.

Mackermore has previously faced criticism for political statements, including being removed from a Las Vegas festival lineup after performing a sequel to "Hind's Hall" and making controversial remarks in Seattle. Recent social media posts have amplified the debate, with some users labeling his remarks as anti-Israel propaganda.