Ed Sheeran Faces Pressure Over Macklemore's Pro-Palestinian Statements

Ed Sheeran's tour is facing controversy in the United States due to opening act Macklemore's pro-Palestinian statements. The Israeli-American Council (IAC) has launched a petition urging Sheeran and tour organizers to remove the American rapper from upcoming shows. The demand follows Macklemore's on-stage address about Gaza and Palestinians at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Thursday, where he told the crowd they were "not forgotten" and chanted "Free Palestine." He then performed his 2024 song "Hind's Hall," named after six-year-old Palestinian girl Hind Rajab killed in Gaza, with visuals of Gaza and pro-Palestinian protests displayed.

The IAC criticized Macklemore for turning an opening act into a political platform, stating in the petition, "Your show, your stage, your responsibility." The organization is calling for Macklemore's removal, stricter rules on political use of stages, and for fans to contact tour promoter Live Nation. Macklemore has consistently supported the Palestinian cause since the start of the war, previously announcing that proceeds from "Hind's Hall" would go to UNRWA. He made similar statements during a second performance at MetLife Stadium, according to social media videos. Ed Sheeran has not publicly commented on the controversy, and Macklemore remains scheduled for future tour dates through November.