Macklemore calls for a ‘free Palestine’ during Ed Sheeran shows, prompting praise and backlash
Macklemore calls for a ‘free Palestine’ during Ed Sheeran shows, prompting praise and backlash Submitted by Ghalia Mohamed on Mon, 09/07/2026 - 13:42 Pro-Israeli organisation accused of attempting to curb free speech after launching petition to remove American rapper from tour Macklemore performing at the Goldencoast Rap Festival in Corcelles-les-Monts, France, last month (Arnaud Finistre/AFP)…
Rapper Macklemore performed a pro-Palestine anthem and made a passionate speech supporting Palestinians during Ed Sheeran's Loop tour, drawing both praise and condemnation. The Israeli-American Council launched a petition to remove Macklemore from future tour dates, accusing him of spreading propaganda and antisemitic rhetoric. However, many supporters praised Macklemore for his courage and bravery, accusing pro-Israel accounts of attempting to curb free speech.
The Israeli-American Council argued that the performance was political propaganda, while the Anti-Defamation League labeled Macklemore's statements as false accusations of genocide and antisemitic rhetoric.
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Also reported by 3 other outlets
- Macklemore Faces Petition to Leave Ed Sheeran Tour After ‘Free Palestine’ Plea billboard.com
- Macklemore calls for a ‘free Palestine’ during Ed Sheeran shows, prompting praise and backlash middleeasteye.net
- Macklemore Posts His “Free Palestine” Speech Amid Petition Calling For Ed Sheeran To Drop Him From Tour Over It stereogum.com
