Macklemore Responds to Backlash Over “Free Palestine” Plea: “Wanting All Humans to Be Treated Equal Should Never Be Controversial”

, Digital carly_thomas_ Follow View All September 7, 2026 5:44pm Macklemore Morgan Hancock/ Macklemore is doubling down after facing backlash from a pro-Israel organization over his “Free Palestine” public plea while opening for Ed Sheeran‘s Loop Tour. On Monday, the rapper wrote on social media, “Wanting all humans to be treated equal should never be controversial.” His post also included his speech from Saturday, the second night of back-to-back shows at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium. After stating “Free Palestine” again onstage Saturday night, Macklemore later clarified to the audience, “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. My message is for peace; love for all human beings to be treated with dignity, respect, and equality.” “So I say Free Palestine, I say Free Lebanon, I say Free Cuba, I say Free Congo, Free Sudan, I say Free all people in America living in fear of this terrorist organization, ICE. None of us will be free until we are all free,” he added. The question is where the line should be drawn when an opening act uses a global concert platform to advance a one-sided political agenda.” The Hollywood Reporter has reached out to Sheeran’s rep for comment, but did not hear back at the time of publication. Alanis Morissette Alanis Morissette Sues Former Tour Manager Over Alleged “Calculated Blackmail Campaign” Kid Cudi Kid Cudi Defends Kanye West Reconciliation: “Everyone Deserves Some Grace” Tupac Shakur Tupac’s Murderer Claims He’s Innocent: “I’m Not No F***ing Killer” (Exclusive Interview) music What a Way to Make a Legacy: Cities Declare 9/25 Dolly Parton Day Next Big Thing Malcolm Todd Is The Luckiest Guy in the World