Macklemore‘s political declaration on Ed Sheeran‘s tour stage has sparked drama!
The “Thrift Shop” artist lauded his stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which has claimed the lives of thousands, including women and children. This ignited heavy criticism, as many fans do not support his actions.
Ed Sheeran’s “Loop” tour stage is not the first venue Macklemore is using to proclaim his political support, especially since Hamas’ 2023 attack on Israel, which resulted in a series of counterattacks.
4Macklemore recently made a decision that seems to be doing him more harm than good. He turned his opening set on the “Perfect” singer’s tour into a stage for a political statement, and now the heat is rising.
Thanks to his remarks about Isreal’s attack on Gaza during his performance set, an Israeli-American group wants him kicked off Sheeran’s remaining shows.
The rapper opened for Sheeran’s Loop tour on Friday and Saturday, 4th & 5th September, at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. He was vocal about his support for Palestinians and his stance against Israel’s bomb launches in Gaza.
TMZ reports that while Macklemore performed his 2024 protest track “Hinds’s Hall,” images tied to Gaza and pro-Palestinian demonstrations flashed behind him. The entertainer also repeatedly shouted “Free Palestine” during his set in New Jersey.
The ‘Thrift Shop’ Rapper Has Faced Backlash Following His Performance
The Israeli-American Council wants Macklemore booted off the remaining shows and is already taking action to actualize their wishes. They have launched a petition calling on Sheeran and other tour organizers to kick the Seattle native from the rest of the “Loop” tour shows after his pro-Palestine remarks made waves.
The Council argues that fans paid to enjoy a concert, good music, and see their admired artists perform, not to attend a political rally. The petition does not publicly show how many people have signed it; however, the online reaction to Macklemore’s comments has been predictably fiery.
Some concertgoers claim that the rapper did more than just chant his support for Palestine on stage during his performance. They revealed that they walked out of the show, accusing the musician of pushing antisemitic rhetoric. Despite the heat, Macklemore has some people in his corner who have defended his decision to use the stage to speak about the war.
More From The Blast
Inside Macklemore’s Previous Vocal Support For Palestine
4Macklemore dropped his pro-Palestine track, “Hind’s Hall,” in 2024, which featured Palestinian-American artists Anees and Amer Zahr, Gaza-born rapper MC Abdul, and the LA Palestinian Kids Choir.
That same year, singer-songwriter Matisyahu gave his two cents about the music, saying that it was antisemitic and was only making an already ugly divide worse.
“Straight up, say it, I’m not gonna stop you… Yeah, f-ck America,” he yelled to fans during a performance of the song in Seattle. The proceeds from “Hind’s Hall 2” were intended to support the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), which aids Palestinian refugees.
The Blast reported that Macklemore explained his anti-America comments in a later statement. He shared that sometimes, when he gets caught up in the moment, he has difficulty expressing his feelings politely and perfectly.
The rapper revealed that since the Israel-Hamas war began, he had been in utter disbelief, especially “with how our government is showing up at this moment in history.”
The ‘Downtown’ Singer Struggled With Drug Addiction
4The father of three previously opened up about his battles with addiction, relapse, and recovery. He had his first taste of alcohol as a young teenager and spiraled into the use and abuse of other substances.
The Grammy winner disclosed that he had his first alcoholic drink when he was just 14 years old. Unlike other young stars who were introduced to the path or influenced by older industry stars, Macklemore stole his first drink from his parents’ liquor cabinet.
He shared that once he started drinking, there was no going back. “I quickly watched my life fall apart within the first year of using drugs and alcohol, but it wasn’t until years later that I hit rock bottom and ended up at a place where I could get some help,” the father of three said at the time.
The Blast noted that his 2020 summer relapse came after his father helped him to get clean in 2008 following years of drug and alcohol abuse. The rapper admitted that during his recovery, he had to acknowledge and accept that he was powerless over his addictions as a crucial step to move forward.
Inside Macklemore’s ‘Painful’ Realization Post Relapse
4The artist talked about how he took steps backward after fighting to stay clean and sober for years. He admitted that he was moved to tell his story after hearing Dax Shepard, who was also a recovering addict, open up about his journey during a 2021 episode of the “Armchair Expert” podcast.
The Blast shared in an earlier release that Macklemore hoped that coming forward with his battles would be a source of inspiration for anyone in a similar situation. He said that there is “no shame” in admitting his flaws and no need to pretend he was perfect amid his addiction battles.
“It was really painful for me and for the people who loved me. I stopped doing the work,” Macklemore told news outlets nearly two years after his relapse. He shared that as much as he is an open book with his fans and supporters, he intends to be open with his children as well. The rapper shares three children, Sloane, Colette, and Hugo, with his wife, Tricia Davis.
Will Macklemore be kicked off Ed Sheeran’s tour?
