{
  "id": 6201544,
  "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",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-08T00:44:51.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Hollywood Reporter",
    "slug": "the-hollywood-reporter",
    "url": "https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/music/music-news/macklemore-responds-backlash-free-palestine-plea-ed-sheeran-1236693499/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": null,
  "summary": "Macklemore faced backlash from a pro-Israel organization after making an onstage plea to “Free Palestine” while opening for Ed Sheeran at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium on Friday, September 4. The Israeli-American Council launched a petition calling for the rapper's removal from the remaining tour dates of Ed Sheeran's Loop Tour.\n\nThe plea was part of Macklemore's performance, which included his pro-Palestine anthem “Hind’s Hall”, named after a five-year-old girl killed by Israeli forces in Gaza. Footage from Gaza and the occupied West Bank was displayed on screens during the performance, which was attended by over 80,000 people.\n\nIn response to the backlash, Macklemore stated that wanting all humans to be treated equally should never be controversial. Rights advocates, journalists, and social media users have come out in support of the rapper, praising his expression of support for Palestine.",
  "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": "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"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}