Macklemore's "Free Palestine" Speech Sparks Petition For Ed Sheeran To Drop Him From Tour
Stereogum • • entertainment
Key Points:
- Macklemore, opening for Ed Sheeran on his North American tour, has been using the platform to advocate for a free Palestine and other social justice causes, delivering speeches and performing politically charged songs like "Hind's Hall."
- His pro-Palestinian activism, including criticism of Israel and support for Columbia University student protests, has sparked backlash, notably from the Israeli American Council, which launched a petition demanding Sheeran remove Macklemore from the tour.
- The petition argues that Macklemore's political messages are one-sided, lack context, and are inappropriate for a concert setting, calling for clearer boundaries on political speech during the tour.
- Macklemore has previously faced controversy for his outspoken views, including being dropped from a festival lineup and scrutiny from Seattle sports teams after his pro-Palestinian statements and songs.
- The backlash has extended to other artists like Pink, who shared criticism of Macklemore's speech, claiming concertgoers were ambushed with anti-Israel propaganda and deserve apologies and refunds.
