Rapper Macklemore sparked a petition demanding his removal from Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour after delivering a pro-Palestine speech during his opening set at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Friday night, September 5. During his performance, Macklemore called out “Free Palestine” and told the crowd, “I believe that every human being walking on this earth deserves exactly the same freedom,” adding that he wanted people in Gaza and the occupied West Bank to know they had not been forgotten.
Macklemore repeated his remarks during Saturday’s show. He also attacked U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement during his set, and performed his protest song “Hind’s Hall,” which criticizes Israel’s actions in Gaza. The politically charged performance immediately drew backlash from pro-Israel advocates.
The Israeli American Council launched a petition on Sunday calling on Ed Sheeran and tour leadership to remove Macklemore from the remaining dates of the Loop Tour. “This was an Ed Sheeran concert – not a political rally, not a protest, and not an activist event,” the petition stated, according to Variety. “The issue is not whether Macklemore has the right to hold political views. The question is where the line should be drawn when an opening act uses a global concert platform to advance a one-sided political agenda.”
Macklemore has long been vocal about Palestinian rights. He released “Hind’s Hall” in May 2024, naming the song after a Palestinian girl killed in Gaza. According to Variety, he has directed all proceeds from the song to UNRWA, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency. The track features lyrics criticizing U.S. funding of Israel and describing Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories as apartheid.
The rapper’s history of political activism has drawn controversy before. In September 2024, Macklemore made inflammatory remarks at a pro-Palestine benefit concert in Seattle, leading to his removal from a Las Vegas music festival days later. At that time, he issued a statement expressing regret that the event had become overshadowed by his comments.
Reaction to Macklemore’s MetLife performance split along political lines. Some concertgoers said they walked out, accusing him of antisemitism and using the stage inappropriately. Others on social media applauded his remarks, with supporters arguing that “music has always been a vital platform for human rights advocacy, not just mindless escape,” according to Variety. The Loop Tour continues through the fall with additional dates scheduled across North America.
Sources
- Variety — Macklemore’s “Free Palestine” speech at MetLife Stadium, the Israeli American Council petition, his past activism, and social media reactions from concertgoers
- Times of Israel — Details of Macklemore’s opening set and remarks at MetLife Stadium
- Deadline — Israeli American Council petition demanding his removal from remaining tour dates
- JTA — Israeli American Council’s call for Macklemore to be dropped from the opening slot
- The Guardian — Information about “Hind’s Hall” and Macklemore’s first performance of the song in 2024
- Rolling Stone — Macklemore’s September 2024 controversy at the Seattle pro-Palestine concert and his clarification statement
- USA Today — Macklemore’s remarks and clarification from the 2024 Seattle event
⭐ Follow us on Google — Get our new articles in your Google feed.
Similar Posts
- Franz Ferdinand blasts IDF for using Take Me Out: band says they’re sickened and appalled
- Justin Bieber reportedly eyed for halftime slot at major international sporting event
- Turnstile tour: popular artists rumored to open select shows
- Kendale Walker opens for Josh Turner after surprise call lands her Round Rock slot
- Country star announces multi-year break from touring
Hello, I’m River. I inform you about the latest pop trends and viral buzz to feed your curiosity.