Macklemore turned an Ed Sheeran concert into a flashpoint after delivering a message supporting Palestine. The rapper’s comments during two New Jersey shows prompted an organization to demand his removal from remaining tour dates.
Macklemore opened for Sheeran at MetLife Stadium on September 4 and 5, performing “Hind’s Hall” before crowds of more than 80,000. Wearing a keffiyeh, he used the stage to speak about Gaza, the West Bank and freedom.
Macklemore’s Palestine message and the petition targeting his Ed Sheeran tour appearances
According to NME, Macklemore told concertgoers, “I say Free Palestine, free Cuba, Congo, Sudan and Iran and all the people in America who live in fear because of this terrorist organisation ICE.” He then performed “Hind’s Hall” as footage from Gaza appeared on screens.
He also addressed Jewish audience members. “Criticism of Israel, criticism of apartheid, being against genocide in no way is criticism of you,” he said, stressing that his message centered on “peace, love” and equal dignity.
Macklemore said he wanted people in Gaza and the West Bank to know they had not been forgotten. He framed the message around children deserving safety and peace rather than growing up surrounded by violence.
The performance drew a response from the Israeli-American Council. The group launched a petition calling on Sheeran and his tour team to remove Macklemore from the remaining Loop Tour dates.
As per The Hollywood Reporter, the petition described the event as “an Ed Sheeran concert – not a political rally, not a protest, and not an activist event.” The group argued that Macklemore had used a global concert platform to promote what it called a one-sided political agenda.
The petition also questioned whether Macklemore’s speech, visuals and performance had received approval beforehand. It asked tour leadership to establish clearer boundaries around political messaging on tour.
“Hind’s Hall” was released in 2024 amid pro-Palestinian campus protests. Macklemore named the song after Columbia University’s Hamilton Hall, which protesters renamed in honor of Hind Rajab, a Palestinian child killed in Gaza. With eight more U.S. dates remaining, the controversy left Sheeran’s team weighing its opening lineup.
Originally reported by Vanshika Vasundhare Singh for Reality Tea
