Archive · 8 Sep 2026
Macklemore Defends Free Palestine Chant Amid Pro-Israel Criticism
Macklemore performed before Ed Sheeran at a concert in New Jersey.
During the show, he said “Free Palestine.”
Some people criticized him for bringing politics into a concert.
The Israeli-American Council started a petition asking that he be removed from the rest of the tour.
Macklemore said he was criticizing the policies of Israel, not Jewish people.
He said his message was about peace and equal treatment for everyone.
He also called for freedom for people in several other countries and communities.
Ed Sheeran and his representatives have not publicly responded.
The disagreement is about whether political messages belong at a large concert.
Macklemore defended chanting “Free Palestine” during his opening performance on Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour.
He said criticism of Israel’s policies and opposition to genocide are not criticism of Jewish people.
Macklemore called for peace, dignity, respect, and equality for all people.
The Israeli-American Council launched a petition seeking his removal from the tour’s remaining dates.
The council said the concert was not intended to be a political rally, while Sheeran’s representatives have not commented.
- Who
- Rapper Macklemore, the Israeli-American Council, and Ed Sheeran’s tour organizers are involved.
- What
- Macklemore defended his “Free Palestine” chant after the Israeli-American Council sought his removal from the tour.
- When
- The remarks were made on Friday and Saturday; Macklemore responded on social media Monday.
- Where
- The performance took place at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
- Why
- Macklemore said he was advocating peace and equality, while the Israeli-American Council objected to what it called a one-sided political message at a concert.
Macklemore’s Position
Israeli-American Council’s Position
Meaning of the message
Macklemore’s Position
Macklemore says criticism of Israel, opposition to apartheid, and opposition to genocide are not criticism of Jewish people. He describes his message as supporting peace, dignity, respect, and equality.
Israeli-American Council’s Position
The Israeli-American Council objected to Macklemore using the concert platform to promote what it called a one-sided political agenda.
Political speech at concerts
Macklemore’s Position
Macklemore said he wanted to use stadium performances to say “Free Palestine” and advocate for people he believes are living without freedom.
Israeli-American Council’s Position
The council said the event was an Ed Sheeran concert, not a political rally, protest, or activist event, and called for Macklemore’s removal from the remaining dates.
- Performer
- Macklemore
- Tour
- Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour
- Venue
- MetLife Stadium, New Jersey
- Protest track
- “Hind’s Hall”
- Criticism
- The Israeli-American Council said the concert was not a political rally or protest event.
- Requested action
- A petition seeks Macklemore’s removal from the tour’s remaining dates.
- Official response
- Ed Sheeran and his representatives have not commented.