Macklemore's Gaza remarks spark demand to drop him from Ed Sheeran tour
Rapper Macklemore's pro-Palestinian statements during an Ed Sheeran concert in New Jersey have prompted the Israeli-American Council to demand his removal from the rest of the "Loop" tour. During his opening set at MetLife Stadium, Macklemore shouted "Freedom for Palestine" and told the crowd he wants people in Gaza and the occupied West Bank to know they are not forgotten, repeating the message the following night. The Council launched an online petition arguing the concert was not a political rally, though the number of signatures has not been disclosed. Macklemore has a history of supporting Palestinians, including releasing the 2024 song "Hind's Hall" criticizing Israel's military operations, with proceeds going to UNRWA. Audience reactions were divided, with some leaving the show and accusing him of antisemitism, while others defended music as a platform for human rights advocacy.