Macklemore defends Israel criticism at Ed Sheeran concert

Rapper Macklemore defended his anti-Israel remarks during an Ed Sheeran concert, saying criticism of Israel is not aimed at Jewish people, while repeating accusations of apartheid and genocide and calling to "free Palestine." During his second MetLife Stadium set Saturday, Macklemore told Jewish fans his message is "peace and love," and expanded his call to include Lebanon, Cuba, Congo, Sudan, and opposition to ICE. The backlash began Friday when he performed Hind's Hall, a protest song inspired by Columbia University demonstrations, with Gaza images on screens. Israeli concertgoers described the performance as "a knife in the heart," citing friends killed in the war and at the Nova festival. The Israeli-American Council has petitioned Ed Sheeran to remove Macklemore from remaining tour dates, arguing the concert was not a political rally.