Rapper Clarifies His Remarks
Macklemore has addressed the controversy surrounding his call to 'Free Palestine' made during his opening set for Ed Sheeran at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Friday night. In a statement on Saturday, he emphasized that his criticism of Israel and apartheid is not directed at Jewish people, saying his message is for peace and the dignified treatment of all human beings.[S1]
He broadened his demand to encompass freedom for Lebanon, Cuba, Congo, Sudan, and for Americans who live in dread of ICE, insisting that no one is truly free until everyone is. In his show, he also voiced support for the people of Gaza and the West Bank, saying he holds that every individual deserves the same liberties.[S1]
Backlash and Petition
The Israeli American Council responded by launching a petition demanding that the four-time Grammy winner be removed from the remainder of Sheeran's Loop tour. The petition argues that the concert was not a political rally and questions the appropriateness of using a global platform to advance a one-sided political agenda.[S1]
