Singer Pink has publicly weighed in on rapper Macklemore's recent pro-Palestine statements made during his opening act at Ed Sheeran's tour stops in New Jersey. Pink reposted an Instagram Story from the organization StopAntisemitism, which criticized Macklemore's on-stage remarks and called for an apology to concertgoers.
The original post shared by Pink stated that Jewish fans had bought tickets to see Sheeran and were "ambushed by Macklemore's anti-Israel propaganda." The criticism further alleged that Macklemore wore a keffiyeh, shouted "Free Palestine," and accused Israel of "genocide," turning a "mainstream event into a political nightmare against the Jewish state."
Macklemore, in response, appeared to stand by his comments. He posted a clip of his speech on Monday with the caption, "Wanting all humans to be treated equal should never be controversial." During his set, he told the audience, "One of the reasons why I wanted to come on this tour was because I wanted to stand up here on stages in stadiums across America and say two words that are very near and dear to my heart: Free Palestine. I said, Free Palestine!" He added that he wanted the message to be heard by people in Gaza and the occupied West Bank, and he introduced his song "Hind's Hall," inspired by student encampment movements.
The rapper also addressed the Jewish community directly, stating, "To all of my Jewish brothers and sisters: Criticism of Israel, criticism of apartheid, being against genocide in no way is a criticism of you." He reiterated that his message is for peace, love, and the equal treatment of all human beings, extending his call for freedom to Lebanon, Cuba, Congo, Sudan, and "all people in America living in fear over this terrorist organization ICE."
Macklemore has a history of voicing support for Palestinians. In 2024, he released "Hind's Hall," a song criticizing Israel's actions in Gaza, with proceeds going to UNRWA. He has stated that he believes "every human being walking on this earth deserves exactly the same freedom, to know safety and peace before knowing the sounds of violence."
Following the concerts, a petition was launched by the Israeli-American Council urging for Macklemore's removal from the remaining dates of Sheeran's tour, arguing that the concert was not a political rally and that an opening act should not use a global platform for a "one-sided political agenda."
Social media reactions have been divided, with some defending Macklemore's comments and others accusing him of antisemitic rhetoric. Ed Sheeran has not yet publicly commented on the controversy. In 2023, Macklemore participated in a pro-Palestine protest in Washington D.C., where he spoke about the conflict and stated he had done research and concluded it was a "genocide."
This incident is not the first time Macklemore has faced controversy regarding his stage presence. In 2014, he issued an apology after wearing a disguise on stage that was widely condemned as an antisemitic Jewish caricature. He stated at the time that he would never intentionally disparage anyone and that he loves all people and cultures.