Rap star Macklemore became the subject of controversy over the weekend. Due to the remarks he made during his set on Ed Sheeran's tour. The Thrift Shop creator publicly voiced his support for Palestine amid the ongoing war between Palestine and Israel.
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"I said, 'Free Palestine!' 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," Macklemore said during his set.
Macklemore Speaks Out Amid Backlash Over Gaza Support
Following the rapper's public support for Palestine, the pro-Israel organization the Israeli-American Council (IAC) launched a petition. Calling for Macklemore to be axed from Sheeran's remaining tour dates.
However, amid the backlash, the rapper insists that his comments were only meant to uplift the people of Gaza. He said that he meant no harm to Israel in the comments.
"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 in a transcript obtained by Newsweek. "My message is for peace; love for all human beings to be treated with dignity, respect, and equality."
The rap star doubled down on his statement, noting that he wants freedom for all countries that are in bondage.
"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," he added.
Macklemore's pro-Palestinian stance isn't exactly new. Back in 2024, he released the song "Hinds Hall." A track where he blasts Israel's military actions in Gaza. Additionally, proceeds from the song went towards humanitarian efforts from the United Nations Relief and Works Agency. It was also one of the songs that he performed on Friday night, the same night when he openly expressed his support for Gaza.
Despite a multitude of pleas demanding that Sheeran remove the rap star from his eight remaining scheduled appearances, there have been no talks about him actually doing so.
