Rapper Macklemore, whose legal name is Benjamin Haggerty, drew criticism after delivering an anti-Israel speech during a recent concert with Ed Sheeran in New Jersey. Macklemore called for a "Free Palestine" and accused Israel of genocide while wearing a keffiyeh.

![A jumbotron at a stadium displaying "FREE PALESTINE" in red letters.]( "A jumbotron at a stadium displaying "FREE PALESTINE" in red letters.")

The rapper's remarks have sparked a petition from the Israeli-American Council urging Ed Sheeran to remove Macklemore from the remainder of his tour, with the council accusing Macklemore of spreading antisemitic propaganda.

Macklemore also performed his song "Hindi's Hall," which references pro-Palestine protests at Columbia University, while images from Gaza were shown on screen.

Amidst the controversy, attention has turned to Macklemore's residence in Seattle. His three-bedroom home in the North Capitol Hill neighborhood is situated on land historically belonging to Indigenous peoples, including the Duwamish, Suquamish, Stillaguamish, and Muckleshoot tribes. Macklemore has acknowledged owning property on what is recognized as stolen Native American land and has previously incorporated land acknowledgments into his concerts, stating in May 2024, "I’m from Seattle, Washington, occupied Duwamish territory."

Fellow artists have also weighed in. Pink reposted a statement calling for refunds and apologies, while Boy George criticized Macklemore's stance, questioning the political depth of slogans like "Free Palestine" and commenting on Ed Sheeran's perceived lack of backbone.

Macklemore addressed the backlash on Monday, asserting in a social media video that his criticism of Israel, apartheid, and genocide is not directed at Jewish people. "To all of my Jewish brothers and sisters: Criticism of Israel, criticism of apartheid, being against genocide, is in no way a criticism of you," he stated.

The rapper's situation draws parallels to other artists facing scrutiny for similar statements. Singer Billie Eilish previously faced criticism after stating "No one is illegal on stolen land" at the Grammy Awards, prompting some critics to question her own property ownership on historically Indigenous territories.