Macklemore Defends 'Free Palestine' Chants at Ed Sheeran Tour Dates
Rapper Macklemore has clarified that his remarks regarding 'Free Palestine' during Ed Sheeran's US tour were not directed at Jewish individuals. His comments, made during two performances in New Jersey over the weekend, sparked demands for his removal from the tour. In a video shared on Monday, he reached out to his Jewish audience, emphasizing that criticizing Israel does not equate to antisemitism. The uproar began when he unveiled his 2024 protest track 'Hind's Hall,' which condemns Israel's actions in Gaza. A petition from the Israeli-American Council has called for Sheeran to remove Macklemore from the tour. Since October 2023, Gaza has seen over 73,000 fatalities. Macklemore will continue to perform at Sheeran's upcoming US shows.
Key facts
- Macklemore said his 'Free Palestine' comments were not an attack on Jewish people.
- He made the comments while supporting Ed Sheeran at two shows in New Jersey.
- The Israeli-American Council petitioned to remove Macklemore from the tour.
- Macklemore performed his protest song 'Hind's Hall' at the concerts.
- Over 73,000 people have been killed in Gaza since October 2023.
- Israel rejects genocide allegations and says it acts in accordance with international law.
- The ICJ is hearing a genocide case brought by South Africa.
- Macklemore will continue on Sheeran's US tour dates.
Entities
Artists
- Macklemore
- Ed Sheeran
Institutions
- Israeli-American Council
- BBC News
- International Court of Justice
- Hamas
- United Nations
Locations
- New Jersey
- United States
- Israel
- Gaza
- West Bank
- South Africa