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 story, which has 12 million followers, detailing her objections to Macklemore's pro-Palestinian performance.

The video highlighted segments of Macklemore's set, accompanied by text stating that Jewish fans bought tickets to see Ed Sheeran, not to be subjected to "anti-Israel propaganda." The text further alleged that Macklemore wore a keffiyeh, shouted "Free Palestine," falsely accused Israel of "genocide," and transformed a mainstream event into a "political nightmare against the State of Israel."

Macklemore's performance at MetLife Stadium included calls for "Free Palestine," projected images from Gaza, and the song "Hind's Hall," which supports pro-Palestinian campus protests. He also stated, "I want people in Gaza and the West Bank to know that they are not forgotten" and that "every person on earth deserves the same freedom."

Attendees, including Israelis, expressed shock at the political content. One Israeli attendee, Michaela, left the venue during Macklemore's set, missing Sheeran's performance, and described the experience as "very stressful, threatening, and terrifying."

The Israeli-American Council (IAC) has formally requested that Ed Sheeran and his tour organizers remove Macklemore from future shows. The IAC argued that Sheeran's concert was not intended to be a political rally or activist event.

Macklemore has been vocal against Israel since the war began, participating in a pro-Palestinian rally in November 2023 and calling Israeli actions in Gaza "genocide." Pink's public stance adds a prominent voice to the criticism of Macklemore's political statements during the concert.