{
  "id": 6165618,
  "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",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-07T19:36:16.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Billboard",
    "slug": "billboard",
    "url": "https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/macklemore-petition-removal-ed-sheeran-tour-free-palestine-1236335347/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "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.",
  "summary": "The rapper opened for Sheeran at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium on Sept. 4.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 4,
    "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": "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."
}