American singer Pink.
Pink faces backlash over Ed Sheeran, Macklemore refund calls
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- Macklemore wears a keffiyeh, chants “Free Palestine,” and performs “Hind’s Hall” during Sheeran’s concert.
- Ed Sheeran has not issued refunds or dropped Macklemore from his US tour.
American singer Pink has found herself at the center of a social media storm after amplifying demands for refunds and apologies following a politically charged opening set by rapper Macklemore during Ed Sheeran’s concert tour.
The controversy began after Macklemore opened for Sheeran at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Sept. 4 and 5.
During his set, the rapper wore a traditional keffiyeh, shouted "Free Palestine" to the audience, and performed his 2024 protest track Hind's Hall while footage from Gaza and the West Bank was projected on the stadium’s large screens.
In response, Pink reshared a post by the organization StopAntisemitism through her Instagram Story.
The post condemned Macklemore's pro-Palestinian messaging as "anti-Israel propaganda" and asserted that concertgoers were owed formal apologies and ticket refunds.
Pink’s amplification of the refund demand quickly diverted public focus toward her, triggering divided responses across social media platforms.
Supporters argued that fans purchasing tickets to an Ed Sheeran concert did not expect political speeches or activism during an opening performance.
However, critics slammed Pink for objecting to an artist using their platform to speak out against the human toll in Gaza and the West Bank, with some pointing out her own history of political songwriting.
The ongoing debate has also focused scrutiny on Ed Sheeran's tour management. While groups like the 'Israeli'-American Council launched petitions to remove Macklemore from subsequent dates, Sheeran’s official tour itinerary continues to feature the rapper, and no refunds or schedule adjustments have been announced.
