{
  "id": 6157913,
  "title": "Macklemore calls for a ‘free Palestine’ during Ed Sheeran shows, prompting praise and backlash",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/07/macklemore-calls-for-a-free-palestine-during-ed-sheeran-shows-6157913",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-07T18:45:25.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Middle East Eye",
    "slug": "middle-east-eye",
    "url": "https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/macklemore-calls-free-palestine-during-ed-sheeran-shows-prompting-praise"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "During a series of Ed Sheeran concerts in the United States, American rapper Macklemore took the stage to express his support for Palestine. This move sparked a mix of approval and criticism from various groups and individuals. Footage from Gaza and the occupied West Bank was projected on screens throughout Macklemore's performances, which took place at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. The concerts, part of Sheeran's Loop tour, saw Macklemore perform \"Hind's Hall,\" a song named after five-year-old Hind Rajab, who was killed by Israeli forces in Gaza in 2024. The performance was met with mixed reactions, with rights advocates and journalists praising Macklemore's stance, while pro-Israel groups expressed their disapproval.",
  "summary": "Macklemore calls for a ‘free Palestine’ during Ed Sheeran shows, prompting praise and backlash Rights advocates, journalists and social media users have come out in support of the American rapper Macklemore in response to pressure from pro- Israel groups for expressing support for Palestine in his opening act performances for Ed Sheeran in the United States . Footage from Gaza and the occupied…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 5,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Middle East Eye",
        "title": "Macklemore calls for a ‘free Palestine’ during Ed Sheeran shows, prompting praise and backlash",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/07/macklemore-calls-for-a-free-palestine-during-ed-sheeran-shows",
        "published": "2026-09-07T16:25:09.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Stereogum",
        "title": "Macklemore Posts His “Free Palestine” Speech Amid Petition Calling For Ed Sheeran To Drop Him From Tour Over It",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/07/macklemore-posts-his-free-palestine-speech-amid-petition-calling-for",
        "published": "2026-09-07T17:56:23.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Billboard",
        "title": "Macklemore Faces Petition to Leave Ed Sheeran Tour After ‘Free Palestine’ Plea",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/07/macklemore-faces-petition-to-leave-ed-sheeran-tour-after-free",
        "published": "2026-09-07T19:36:16.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "The Hollywood Reporter",
        "title": "Macklemore Responds to Backlash Over “Free Palestine” Plea: “Wanting All Humans to Be Treated Equal Should Never Be Controversial”",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/08/macklemore-responds-to-backlash-over-free-palestine-plea-wanting-all",
        "published": "2026-09-08T00:44:51.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}