Rapper Macklemore drew criticism after making pro-Palestine remarks while opening for Ed Sheeran at a concert in New Jersey. The event took place at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford on September 4, as part of Sheeran’s Loop Tour. Macklemore also opened for Sheeran at a second MetLife Stadium show on September 5. During the performances, he wore a keffiyeh and used part of his set to discuss Gaza, the occupied West Bank, and other international issues.
Macklemore told the audience that one of the reasons for joining the tour was to speak out about Palestine, according to Billboard. He said he felt fear before speaking, but decided it was more important to be honest than to stay comfortable. He introduced his 2024 protest song 'Hind’s Hall' by praising Columbia University students who participated in the pro-Palestinian encampment movement. The song takes its name from Hamilton Hall, which protesters occupied and unofficially renamed in memory of Hind Rajab, a Palestinian child killed in Gaza in January 2024. Macklemore specifically thanked CUAD students, Students for Justice in Palestine, and Jewish Voice for Peace during his remarks.
His comments included references to various global struggles and human rights issues beyond Palestine, according to a report from Consequence. Macklemore also addressed Jewish audiences, saying criticism of Israel does not mean criticism of Jewish people. He emphasized a message of peace and dignity for all people around the world. He called for freedom for people in Palestine, Lebanon, Cuba, Congo and Sudan, as well as people in the United States living in fear of ICE. He ended that portion of his remarks by saying that no one is free until everyone is free.
The Israeli-American Council responded by launching a petition asking Sheeran to remove Macklemore from the tour. The petition stated that the concert was not meant to be a political event. It questioned where to draw the line when an opening act uses a concert for political purposes. The petition also asked tour organizers to clarify whether Macklemore's political speech, visual material and performance of 'Hind’s Hall' had been approved in advance. It called for tour organizers and venues to establish clearer boundaries for political messaging during future performances. The petition did not prevent Macklemore from performing at the second MetLife show on September 5.
Macklemore has been vocal in support of Palestinians since the Israel-Hamas war began. He also expressed strong views against Israel’s actions, which he said were part of a larger pattern of injustice. In October 2023, he joined other entertainers in signing the Artists4Ceasefire letter calling for a ceasefire, the release of hostages and humanitarian aid for civilians in Gaza. When he released 'Hind’s Hall' in May 2024, he said proceeds from the track would benefit UNRWA USA. Macklemore has described Israel's military campaign in Gaza as genocide, a characterization that Israel rejects.
Macklemore’s remarks sparked backlash from several public figures and advocacy groups. P!NK shared a post from StopAntisemitism that called Macklemore’s accusation of genocide false and urged concertgoers to seek refunds. P!NK did not add a separate explanation of her position when she reshared the post, according to TMZ. The advocacy group's post said fans were owed apologies and refunds after encountering political messaging during the concert.
Boy George, who recently wrote a pro-Israel song using AI, also posted criticism of both Macklemore and Sheeran. His song, 'We Will Dance Again,' was released in July and refers to the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on the Nova music festival. Boy George has said that he wrote the lyrics and melody himself while using artificial intelligence as part of the production process. In response to the Macklemore controversy, he publicly asked Sheeran to either support his opening act or remove him from the tour. He later wrote that he had never been a fan of Sheeran.
Ed Sheeran has not yet responded to the controversy. Representatives for Sheeran, Macklemore and tour promoters had not publicly answered requests for comment about the petition when several outlets reported on the dispute.
Macklemore continues to stand by his comments and says he will not back down from speaking out on these issues. On September 7, he posted video of his remarks on Instagram and wrote that wanting all human beings to be treated equally should never be controversial. His response made clear that the criticism had not caused him to retract his position.
The controversy highlights the growing divide in public opinion over how artists should handle political topics during major concerts. Some see Macklemore’s actions as brave and necessary, while others believe he crossed a line by using a global platform for activism. Reports from the MetLife shows reflected that divide, with some audience members cheering his statements and others criticizing the political content or leaving during his set.
The petition from the Israeli-American Council has drawn attention to the debate over free speech and political expression in entertainment. The situation also raises questions about the role of artists in public discourse and how their platforms are used for advocacy. Macklemore's political views were already well established before the Loop Tour appearances, but the scale of Sheeran's stadium shows exposed those views to an audience much larger and broader than the rapper's own fan base.
Macklemore’s appearance at the concert was part of a larger tour that includes dates from mid-September through early November. He remained listed as an opener for upcoming Loop Tour dates including Philadelphia on September 19, two Foxborough shows on September 25 and 26, Atlanta, Indianapolis, Charlotte, Arlington and Tampa. The ongoing debate shows how deeply political issues can affect even entertainment events and artist choices.