Macklemore Faces Petition to Leave Ed Sheeran Tour After ‘Free Palestine’ Plea

A pro-Israel group is petitioning to have Macklemore removed from Ed Sheeran's tour following the rapper's "Free Palestine" plea during a New Jersey concert. The 43-year-old rapper made the statement while opening for Sheeran at MetLife Stadium on Friday, September 4. The Israeli-American Council (IAC), representing over 150,000 Israeli Americans, launched the petition, stating that the rapper's politically charged comments were inappropriate at an "Ed Sheeran concert."

The IAC argues that Macklemore's message relied on "selective imagery, biased messaging, and disputed claims presented to a massive audience as fact." In response, Macklemore has faced backlash for his support of Palestinians amid the Israel-Hamas war, including the release of his protest song "Hind's Hall." The singer believes that every individual deserves safety, peace, and the opportunity to experience happiness without fear.

He concluded his remarks by reflecting on his own fears and his decision to speak his heart, emphasizing the importance of standing up for what he believes in.