Pink Seen Amid Tour Controversy Over Macklemore's 'Free Palestine' Speech

Singer Pink was recently photographed in New York City, marking her first public appearance since rapper Macklemore was reportedly removed from Ed Sheeran's tour following his on-stage "Free Palestine" speech. The controversy intensified as Pink clarified her own position after initially resharing a post that criticized Macklemore's remarks.

Macklemore stated on a Monday post that he was removed from Sheeran's U.S. tour dates due to his support for Palestinians during his opening act performances in New Jersey on September 4 and 5. He alleged that stadium owners, influenced by individuals like Robert Kraft, issued an ultimatum to Sheeran, threatening to cancel shows if Macklemore remained on the lineup.

Pink initially drew attention when she reposted an Instagram Story from StopAntisemitism, a group that criticized Macklemore's speech as "anti-Israel propaganda" and called for apologies and refunds for concertgoers. The reposted message stated that Jewish fans bought tickets expecting to hear Sheeran, not "Macklemore's anti-Israel propaganda." It further accused Macklemore of wearing a keffiyeh, shouting "Free Palestine," and calling Israel's actions a "false 'genocide.'"

Days later, Pink addressed the situation directly in an Instagram essay, explaining that while she reposted the critical message, she did not write the words herself and did not fully agree with all of them. "A repost isn't a statement, and a meme isn't a spine," she wrote. Pink, who identifies as Jewish, emphasized that she does not speak for Israel or any government. She reiterated her belief that Hamas is a terrorist organization and that Palestinians deserve a future free from violence, stating, "Protecting innocent life comes first, everywhere, and nobody should ever celebrate the death of a child. Anybody’s child."

Meanwhile, the fallout from Macklemore's removal has extended to other artists. Finneas, Aaron Rowe, Lukas Graham, and the band Beoga have all announced their withdrawal from remaining dates on Ed Sheeran's Loop tour, citing solidarity with Palestine and a commitment to not allowing artists to be silenced.

Ed Sheeran addressed the situation on Tuesday, stating that while he respects Macklemore's right to speak his mind, he personally maintains a non-political stance at his shows, which often attract a young audience from diverse backgrounds. He explained that venue owners threatened to pull the concerts if Macklemore performed, a decision he felt compelled to accept to avoid canceling the entire tour and impacting fans and crew.

Macklemore, in his lengthy statement, expressed that he understood Sheeran was in a difficult position. He recounted conversations where Sheeran conveyed that "Free Palestine" and the Palestinian flag were perceived as hurtful by many. Macklemore argued that refusing to take a side in the conflict is untenable when one side possesses significant military and financial backing. He also noted the accusation of antisemitism being used to silence criticism of Israel.

Robert Kraft, CEO of the Kraft Group which owns Gillette Stadium, defended the decision to exclude Macklemore, citing a commitment to a welcoming environment and stating that the rapper's actions crossed a line. Kraft asserted that Macklemore's rhetoric and imagery had been "deeply offensive and hurtful to the Jewish community."

The promoter for the tour, Messina Touring Group, confirmed that venues stated they would not allow concerts with Macklemore on the lineup, which would have led to cancellations. The promoter stated that Macklemore would therefore not perform on the remaining support dates.

Macklemore's performances in New Jersey included him wearing a keffiyeh and showing footage of Gaza during his song "Hind's Hall," which criticizes actions in Gaza. Proceeds from the song benefit humanitarian efforts for Palestinian refugees.

In 2014, Macklemore apologized after an on-stage disguise in Seattle was widely condemned as an anti-Semitic caricature. He stated at the time that he would "never intentionally put down anybody for the fabric that makes them who they are."