Pink Backs Israel, Criticizes Ed Sheeran's Opening Act Macklemore

Pop superstar Pink has publicly sided with Israel and criticized rapper Macklemore, who performed as an opening act for Ed Sheeran in New Jersey. Pink shared a video on her Instagram, which has 12 million followers, detailing her objections to Macklemore's pro-Palestinian statements during his set at MetLife Stadium.

The video highlighted Macklemore's actions, including wearing a keffiyeh, chanting "Free Palestine," accusing Israel of "genocide," and projecting images from Gaza. The accompanying text stated that Jewish fans bought tickets to see Ed Sheeran, not to be subjected to "anti-Israel propaganda" that turned a "mainstream event into a political nightmare against the State of Israel."

Macklemore's performance included his song "Hind's Hall," released in support of pro-Palestinian campus protests, and a message of solidarity with people in Gaza and the West Bank. Attendees, including Israelis, expressed feeling that the political content was overwhelming and distressing.

Following the concert, the Israeli-American Council (IAC) formally requested that Ed Sheeran and his tour organizers remove Macklemore from future performances. The IAC argued that the event was intended as a concert, not a political rally or activist gathering.

Macklemore has been vocal in his criticism of Israel since the start of the recent conflict, having previously called Israeli actions in Gaza "genocide" at a pro-Palestinian rally in November 2023. Pink's public stance adds a prominent voice to the criticism against Macklemore's political activism during the concert.