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// DOSSIER — macklemore-defends-pro-palestine-speech
Macklemore Defends Pro-Palestine Speech and Refuses to Back Down Following Concert Backlash
REL_TIME: 11 Sep 2026 01:12Z · LANG: EN
Rapper Macklemore has defended his pro-Palestine remarks delivered during an opening set for Ed Sheeran at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Facing severe backlash and a petition urging his removal from the tour, Macklemore reiterated his stance by sharing a clip of the speech on social media, emphasizing that advocating for human equality should not be controversial. He clarified that his criticism of Israel, apartheid, and genocide is not an attack on Jewish people, while also expressing solidarity with global movements and criticizing ICE.
// Background
Macklemore has a documented history of pro-Palestine political stances, including releasing the song 'Hind's Hall,' which drew inspiration from the Columbia University student encampments organized by groups such as CUAD, Students For Justice In Palestine, and Jewish Voice For Peace.
// Key Developments
- Macklemore performed his pro-Palestine song 'Hind's Hall' and chanted 'Free Palestine' during Ed Sheeran's concert at MetLife Stadium.
- The rapper clarified that his criticisms of Israel, apartheid, and genocide were not directed at Jewish people.
- A petition has emerged demanding Macklemore's removal from Ed Sheeran's stadium tour following the performance.
- Macklemore responded to the controversy on social media, asserting that wanting equality for all humans should never be controversial.
// Timeline
-
Macklemore opens for Ed Sheeran at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, performs 'Hind's Hall,' and delivers a speech advocating for a free Palestine.
-
Macklemore posts a video of his stadium speech to social media, breaking his silence on the controversy and affirming his stance.
// Perspectives
[Macklemore]
Refuses to back down from his pro-Palestine advocacy, arguing that his critiques of Israel are calls for peace, dignity, and equality rather than antisemitism.
[Critics and Petition Organizers]
Outraged by his pro-Palestine rhetoric during the stadium tour, calling for him to be removed from Ed Sheeran's tour.
// Quotes
“Wanting all humans to be treated equal should never be controversial.”
“To all of my Jewish brothers and sisters, criticism of Israel, criticism of apartheid, being against genocide in no way is a criticism of you.”
“One of the reasons why I wanted to come on this tour was because I wanted to stand up here on stages in stadiums across America and say two words that are very near and dear to my heart: 'Free Palestine.'”
