Rapper Macklemore made political statements during his opening set for Ed Sheeran at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Friday evening. The artist vocalized support for Palestinians, expressing his desire for audiences to remember residents of Gaza and the West Bank. He emphasized his belief that all people deserve equal freedom and repeated similar remarks during the following night’s show.
The Israeli American Council responded by launching a petition calling for Macklemore’s removal from remaining tour dates. The petition argues that a concert venue is inappropriate for advancing political agendas, stating the event should remain focused on entertainment rather than activism. The organization questioned where boundaries should exist when opening acts use their platform for one-sided causes.
Reaction among concertgoers proved divided. Some audience members reported leaving early, expressing surprise at the political nature of the performance and leveling accusations of antisemitism. Conversely, other attendees defended the artist’s message, contending that music has historically served as a vehicle for human rights advocacy. Macklemore previously released a song addressing Gaza in 2024 and directed its proceeds toward humanitarian organizations.
Originally reported by Variety →
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