US rapper Macklemore used his opening performances for Ed Sheeran in New Jersey to deliver a forceful pro-Palestinian message, prompting an Israeli-American organisation to call for his removal from the remaining dates of Sheeran’s tour.
Performing before crowds of more than 80,000 at MetLife Stadium on Friday and Saturday, Macklemore wore a keffiyeh and performed his 2024 song “Hind’s Hall” as images from Gaza and the occupied West Bank appeared on screens around the venue.
“I want those words to be loud and clear, so that people all the way in Gaza to the occupied West Bank know that we have not forgotten about them,” he told the crowd during Friday’s performance.
He also spoke about the broader principle behind his message, saying everyone should have the right to “freedom,” safety and peace.
‘Free Palestine’ message draws backlash
Macklemore repeated his message during Saturday’s show, again wearing a keffiyeh and leading the crowd in chants of “Free Palestine” before performing “Hind’s Hall.”
He also called for freedom for Palestine, Cuba, Congo, Sudan and Iran and described US Immigration and Customs Enforcement as a “terrorist organisation.”
Addressing Jewish members of the audience, Macklemore said opposition to Israeli policies should not be equated with hostility toward Jewish people.
“To all of my Jewish brothers and sisters: Criticism of Israel, criticism of apartheid, being against genocide in no way is criticism of you,” he said.
He added that his message was about “peace, love” and ensuring people are treated with dignity, respect and equality.
At least one message shown on the stadium screens read: “Holocaust survivor says stop the genocide in Gaza.”
Following the performances, the Israeli-American Council launched a petition urging Sheeran and organisers of his Loop Tour to remove Macklemore from his remaining appearances.
The organisation argued that the concert was intended as a musical event rather than a political rally and accused Macklemore of using the platform to promote what it described as a “one-sided political agenda.”
The petition also asked organisers to clarify whether Macklemore’s remarks, visuals and performance had been approved beforehand and called for clearer rules governing political messages during future shows.
The story behind ‘Hind’s Hall’
Released in 2024, “Hind’s Hall” takes its name from Hamilton Hall at Columbia University, which was occupied by pro-Palestinian student protesters and renamed in memory of Hind Rajab, a Palestinian child killed in Gaza in January 2024.
The song became one of Macklemore’s most prominent political statements, with the rapper using his music to criticise US support for Israel and express solidarity with Palestinians.
His appearances at MetLife Stadium extend that activism to one of the world’s largest concert stages, putting the Israeli war on Gaza and Palestinian rights at the centre of a major US music event.
