Macklemore defends pro-Palestinian set amid calls to drop from Ed Sheeran tour

Macklemore reaffirmed his pro-Palestinian stance during his opening set for Ed Sheeran's tour, drawing criticism from Jewish advocacy groups and calls for his removal. He performed his protest song "Hind's Hall" and projected footage of pro-Palestinian campus encampments at MetLife Stadium. Groups including Stop Antisemitism, the Israeli American Council, and the Anti-Defamation League condemned the performance, with the former publishing a petition urging Sheeran to drop the rapper from remaining tour dates. Sheeran's representative did not respond to a request for comment. Macklemore defended his message as one of peace and equality, saying criticism of Israel is not criticism of Jewish people. He also called for liberation in Congo, Sudan, and America, referencing the Oct. 7, 2023 attack and Gaza's death toll.