Macklemore's 'Free Palestine' Onstage Remarks Spark Petition for Removal from Ed Sheeran Tour
During his opening act for Ed Sheeran at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, rapper Macklemore vocalized 'Free Palestine' and delivered a speech emphasizing that people in Gaza and the occupied West Bank are not forgotten. He asserted that all human beings deserve the same freedom, repeating these remarks during both Friday and Saturday night performances. Macklemore also criticized U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. In 2024, he released the song 'Hind’s Hall,' which critiques Israel's actions in Gaza, directing all proceeds to humanitarian efforts by the UNRWA. His politically charged set prompted a petition from the Israeli American Council, demanding his removal from the remaining dates of the Loop tour. The petition argues that a concert is not an appropriate platform for a 'one-sided political agenda,' while some concertgoers expressed discomfort, accusing Macklemore of antisemitism. Conversely, others praised his use of music as a platform for human rights advocacy. 
