Macklemore issued a statement on Saturday responding to criticism of his pro-Palestine remarks made while performing as the opening act for Ed Sheeran at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. The rapper emphasized that his advocacy does not constitute an attack on Jewish individuals.
“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 said, according to a report by Newsweek. “My message is for peace; love for all human beings to be treated with dignity, respect, and equality.”
He expanded his message to include solidarity with various groups facing oppression, stating, “So I say free Palestine, I say free Lebanon, I say free Cuba, I say free Congo, free Sudan, I say free all people in America living in fear of this terrorist organization, ICE. None of us will be free until we are all free.”
The comments follow a speech Macklemore gave during Friday night’s show, where he told the audience that he had not forgotten people in Gaza and the West Bank. “I believe that every human being walking on this earth deserves exactly the same freedom,” he said.
In response, the Israeli American Council launched a petition demanding the four-time Grammy winner be removed from the remainder of Sheeran’s Loop tour. The petition argues that a Sheeran concert is not a political rally or activist event, asking, “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.”
It is surprising he faced such backlash just for saying ‘Free Palestine’ at a concert.
Wait, he mentioned ICE? That seems like a tangent from the main point about Palestine.
I support his right to speak, but concerts should be about music, not political activism.
Solidarity with all oppressed people is important. Glad Macklemore spoke up for peace.