American rapper Macklemore hits back at critics over 'Free Palestine' message

US rapper Macklemore has stood by his support for Palestine despite facing calls for his removal from Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour following his repeated “Free Palestine” remarks onstage.

The rapper defended his position in a social media post, writing, “Wanting all humans to be treated equal should never be controversial.” He also shared footage of a speech he delivered on Saturday, the second night of back-to-back shows at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium.

After once again saying “Free Palestine” during Saturday night’s performance, Macklemore addressed concerns that his criticism of Israel could be interpreted as criticism of Jewish people.

“To all of my Jewish brothers and sisters: criticism of Israel, criticism of apartheid, being against genocide in no way is a criticism of you,” he told the audience. “My message is for peace; love for all human beings to be treated with dignity, respect, and equality.”

He went on to broaden his message, saying, “So I say Free Palestine, I say Free Lebanon, Free Cuba, Free Congo, Free Sudan, I say Free all people in America living in fear of this terrorist organisation, ICE. None of us will be free until we are all free.”

Macklemore’s comments came after a pro-Israel organisation called for him to be removed from Sheeran’s Loop Tour.

During Friday’s opening performance at MetLife Stadium, Macklemore performed his 2024 protest song Hind’s Hall before telling the crowd that one of the reasons he wanted to join the tour was to use his platform to speak about Palestine.

“A big part of the reason why I wanted to do this tour in the first place is so I could stand up in stadiums like this and say two words that are very near and dear to my heart: Free Palestine,” he said.

He added that he wanted the message to reach people in Gaza and the occupied West Bank, saying they should know that “we have not forgotten about them.”

Macklemore released Hind’s Hall in 2024 in support of pro-Palestinian demonstrations on US college campuses. The song takes its name from Hind’s Hall, the temporary name student protesters gave Columbia University’s Hamilton Hall in honour of Hind Rajab, a young Palestinian girl who was killed in Gaza.

The rapper has continued to use his performances and social media platforms to voice his views on the conflict, despite the controversy surrounding his statements.