Macklemore defends Palestine speech at Sheeran concerts

Rapper Macklemore has defended his "Free Palestine" speech delivered during his opening sets for Ed Sheeran's concerts at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Friday, September 4, and Saturday, September 5, 2026. Macklemore, whose real name is Benjamin Hammond Haggerty, stated that the desire for all humans to be treated equally should not be controversial. During his performances, Macklemore called for "Free Palestine" and accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza. He wore a Palestinian keffiyeh and performed his song "Hindis Hall," which references pro-Palestine protests at Columbia University, while images of Gaza were displayed on the Jumbotron behind him. He expressed a desire for his message to be heard by people in Gaza and the West Bank, stating, "I want those words to be loud and clear, so the people from Gaza, all the way to the occupied West Bank, know that we have not forgotten them." Macklemore also addressed the ensuing criticism, clarifying that his stance against Israel should not be equated with hate against Jewish people.