Overview
- During opening sets at MetLife Stadium on Friday and Saturday, Macklemore chanted “Free Palestine,” delivered a speech about Gaza and the West Bank, and performed his protest song “Hind’s Hall” while footage of Gaza and pro‑Palestine demonstrations played on the stadium screens.
- The Israeli‑American Council circulated an online petition addressed to Ed Sheeran, tour leaders, venues and promoter Live Nation that demands Macklemore be dropped and asks whether his political remarks and visuals were approved in advance; the petition does not display a public signature count.
- Macklemore reposted video of his speech and repeated onstage that criticism of Israel is not criticism of Jewish people, framing his message as a plea for human rights, peace and solidarity and noting proceeds from the song have gone to UNRWA humanitarian efforts.
- Ed Sheeran and tour management have not publicly responded to the petition and Macklemore remains listed as the support act for additional U.S. Loop Tour dates through November.
- The episode follows Macklemore’s earlier protest work and past controversies and raises questions about who sets political boundaries on commercial tours, with possible next steps including tour leadership statements, promoter policies or public pressure that could affect future lineups.