Macklemore Defends Pro-Palestine Concert Speech, Refuses to Back Down

Macklemore has publicly defended his pro-Palestine concert speech, stating that "wanting all humans to be treated equal should never be controversial," following backlash over his September 4 performance opening for Ed Sheeran in New Jersey. During his set, Macklemore played "Hind's Hall" and shouted "Free Palestine," dedicating the song to Columbia University student activists. He clarified his criticism of Israel was not antisemitic, saying his message was for peace and dignity for all people. The rapper also criticized ICE, calling it a "terrorist organization," and expressed solidarity with Lebanon, Cuba, Congo, and Sudan. A petition has circulated to remove him from Sheeran's tour, but Macklemore has indicated he will not back down.