{
  "id": 6170504,
  "title": "Macklemore's Full Remarks on Israel and Gaza as Rapper Faces Backlash",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/07/macklemores-full-remarks-on-israel-and-gaza-as-rapper-faces-backlash",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-07T21:03:16.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Newsweek",
    "slug": "newsweek",
    "url": "https://www.newsweek.com/macklemore-free-palestine-remarks-ed-sheeran-backlash-transcript-12413361"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Macklemore sparked controversy by declaring \"Free Palestine\" during Ed Sheeran's U.S. tour and performing a protest track with Gaza imagery projected at MetLife Stadium. The incident has drawn criticism from pro-Israel groups, including the Israeli-American Council, which launched a petition demanding Sheeran address whether the musical content was approved. Celebrity P!nk also chimed in, reposting backlash from StopAntisemitism. Macklemore stated he joined Sheeran's tour to speak out against the conflict, expressing his support for Palestine and emphasizing the universal call for human rights, urging all people to be treated with dignity and equality.",
  "summary": "Macklemore’s “Free Palestine” speech at Sheeran’s show sparks petitions, celebrity backlash and tour pressure.",
  "key_points": [
    "Macklemore performed with Gaza imagery during Ed Sheeran's U.S. tour",
    "Pro-Israel groups criticized the protest track and petitioned Sheeran",
    "Macklemore aimed to speak out against the conflict and human rights"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "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."
}