Macklemore is doubling down on his “Free Palestine” message while insisting his criticism of Israel is not directed at Jewish people.
The four-time Grammy winner addressed the controversy Saturday while opening for Ed Sheeran at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, one night after his remarks at the first show sparked backlash and a petition calling for his removal from the Loop Tour.
“To all of my Jewish brothers and sisters; criticism of Israel, criticism of apartheid, being against genocide, in no way is a criticism of you,” Macklemore told the crowd. “My message is for peace, love, for all human beings to be treated with dignity, respect and equality.”
Wanting all humans to be treated equal should never be controversial. pic.twitter.com/BOJ9xMoIZn
— Macklemore (@macklemore) September 7, 2026
Before performing his 2024 protest song “Hind’s Hall,” the rapper also called for freedom for Palestinians and people in Lebanon, Cuba, Congo and Sudan, while criticizing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
He later shared video of the moment on Instagram, writing, “Wanting all humans to be treated equal should never be controversial.”
The Israeli-American Council has launched a petition asking Sheeran and tour organizers to remove Macklemore, arguing that the concert should not be used to advance what it called a “one-sided political agenda.”
