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Macklemore clarifies 'Free Palestine' chant after calls to drop him from Sheeran tour

independent.co.uk — September 8, 2026 at 09:01 AM UTC

Rapper Macklemore clarified that his "Free Palestine" chants during Ed Sheeran's US tour were not anti-Jewish, emphasizing his message was about peace and equality, amid calls for his removal from the tour. During his opening set at New Jersey's MetLife Stadium, Macklemore performed his 2024 protest song "Hind's Hall" with Gaza backdrop imagery and pro-Palestinian demonstration footage. The Israeli-American Council launched a petition demanding Sheeran remove him, citing a "one-sided political agenda." The council also asked tour leadership whether Macklemore's political imagery and speeches were pre-approved. Macklemore, a vocal advocate for a permanent Gaza ceasefire, remains listed as supporting act for upcoming US stadium shows on Sheeran's official website.

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