Macklemore announces his own Free Palestine tour: 'I didn't need 10 shows from Ed. I needed two'

American rapper Macklemore, who was removed from the opening act position for Ed Sheeran due to pro-Palestinian remarks, announced on Thursday that he would headline his own "Free Palestine" concert tour. The tour will start next month, kicking off in Dublin, Paris, and London, according to an Instagram post from Macklemore. The tour will expand to include US dates and additional performers in the future, with proceeds going to organizations supporting Palestinian people.

Macklemore emphasized that being apolitical during a genocide is no longer acceptable. He urged artists to use their platforms to educate themselves and stand in solidarity during calls for a "Free Palestine." The Grammy-winning rapper was initially scheduled to perform alongside Sheeran on eight occasions, but was dropped from the tour after controversial comments he made during a New Jersey show. Stadium owners who had booked Sheeran's shows objected to Macklemore's remarks.

Israeli officials have vehemently denied allegations of genocide in Gaza, claiming their actions are justified as self-defense. Sheeran, a globally renowned singer-songwriter, stated that his decision to remove Macklemore was made by tour organizers and not him. Following the controversy, Sheeran apologized and denounced Israel's treatment of Palestinians in Gaza as "unjustifiable."

Macklemore, a vocal critic of Israel's military actions in Gaza and the West Bank, reflected on the shift in public awareness surrounding Palestinian liberation over the past three years. He acknowledged the power of billionaires attempting to censor such calls and the expectations placed on artists today. Macklemore highlighted that his experience is part of a broader movement, as he believes everyone should pay attention to the ongoing struggle for Palestinian rights.