Macklemore Uses Ed Sheeran Concert Stage for Pro-Palestinian Speech

American rapper Macklemore, performing as an opening act for Ed Sheeran at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Friday night, delivered a speech expressing his views on the Gaza war and other political issues. Addressing tens of thousands of attendees, Macklemore stated, "I want the people from Gaza to the occupied West Bank to know that we have not forgotten them." He added, "I think every person walking the face of this earth deserves the exact same freedom, to know security and peace before they know the sounds of violence, and to know the sound of laughter in the playground before planes and bombs."

Macklemore explained his decision to speak out despite his fears, saying, "If I let the fear that I felt stop me from saying what's on my heart, to keep myself and the audience comfortable, then today would be the day that I would have no reason to be on stage anymore." He then broadened his call for freedom, declaring, "Free Palestine, free Cuba, Congo, Sudan, and Iran. And to all the people living in America who are forced to live in fear because of this terrorist organization, ICE."

Following his remarks, Macklemore performed his song "Hind's Hall," released in May 2024 amid student protests in the United States. The song is named after a building at Columbia University that protesters renamed in memory of Hind Rajab, a child killed in Gaza. During the performance, screens displayed images from Gaza and protest demonstrations. Macklemore announced that proceeds from the song's streams would be donated to UNRWA.

Audience reactions were mixed, with some cheering and others, including Israelis present, expressing discomfort with his message. As of now, Ed Sheeran has not publicly commented on Macklemore's statements.