American rapper Macklemore (Benjamin Haggerty)
Wanting all humans to be treated equal should never be controversial: Macklemore
Note: AI technology was used to generate this article’s audio.
- Macklemore says his “Free Palestine” chants should not be controversial.
- ‘Israeli’-American Council urges Ed Sheeran to remove Macklemore from remaining US tour dates.
- P!nk and Boy George condemn the performances as Macklemore performs “Hind’s Hall.”
American rapper Macklemore (Benjamin Haggerty) has pushed back against growing criticism following onstage statements in support of Palestine delivered during his opening sets for Ed Sheeran’s "Loop Tour" at MetLife Stadium.
Addressing the crowd during performances on September 4 and 5, Haggerty repeatedly chanted "Free Palestine" and performed his 2024 protest track "Hind's Hall," a song dedicated to Hind Rajab, a young Palestinian girl killed by 'Israeli' forces in Gaza.
Taking to social media following widespread public attention, Macklemore defended his position on X alongside footage of his remarks.
"Wanting all humans to be treated equal should never be controversial," Macklemore wrote.
Wanting all humans to be treated equal should never be controversial. pic.twitter.com/BOJ9xMoIZn
— Macklemore (@macklemore) September 7, 2026
Organizational backlash
Macklemore's remarks drew immediate criticism from the 'Israeli'-American Council (IAC), which launched a formal petition demanding his removal from Sheeran’s upcoming stadium dates.
The IAC argued that the concert platform was utilized to advance disputed claims and political messaging to tens of thousands of concertgoers.
"This was an Ed Sheeran concert – not a political rally, not a protest, and not an activist event," the IAC statement read. "The question is where the line should be drawn when an opening act uses a global concert platform to advance a one-sided political agenda."
During his second set on Saturday, Macklemore directly addressed Jewish attendees, clarifying that opposition to 'Israeli' policies and genocide does not constitute criticism of Jewish people.
He extended his call for freedom to communities in Lebanon, Cuba, the Congo, Sudan, and individuals facing enforcement actions by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The remarks prompted criticism from fellow artists, with singer P!nk sharing a post calling for attendees to receive refunds, and Boy George sharing AI-generated images criticizing the performer.
Representatives for Ed Sheeran have not issued a public response regarding the ongoing tour arrangements.
