The Israeli-American Council has launched a petition calling for rapper Macklemore to be removed from the remaining dates of Ed Sheeran's tour following his pro-Palestinian performances in New Jersey. The advocacy group argues that concertgoers paid to attend a music event, not a political rally.
Pro-Palestine Performances at MetLife Stadium
Macklemore opened for Ed Sheeran at MetLife Stadium on Friday, September 4, and Saturday, September 5, where he repeatedly shouted "Free Palestine" and performed his 2024 protest song "Hind's Hall." During the performances, images relating to Gaza and pro-Palestinian demonstrations were displayed on screens behind the rapper.
The Israeli-American Council subsequently launched a petition urging Sheeran and tour organisers to remove Macklemore from the remaining dates of the "Loop" tour. The group stated that attendees had paid for a music event, not a political rally. The petition does not publicly display the number of signatures it has received.
Divided Reactions Online
Macklemore's performances also prompted divided reactions online. Some concertgoers said they walked out and accused the rapper of promoting antisemitic rhetoric, while others defended his decision to use his platform to speak about the Israel-Gaza war.
Macklemore has publicly expressed support for Palestinians and criticised Israel's actions in Gaza on several occasions in recent years. His song "Hind's Hall," released in 2024 amid pro-Palestinian demonstrations on US university campuses, also attracted criticism at the time.
Previous Controversies and Criticism
Singer-songwriter Matisyahu accused Macklemore and the song of antisemitism in 2024, arguing that it was worsening divisions surrounding the conflict. Macklemore sparked further controversy that year when he chanted "f*** America" during a pro-Palestinian festival in Seattle.
Neither the criticism from the Israeli-American Council nor the accusations from some concertgoers establish that Macklemore's remarks were antisemitic; they reflect the views of those critics. The outcome of the petition and any decision by Sheeran or tour organisers remains to be seen as the tour continues.
