Nine U.S. tour dates remain after the Israeli-American Council launched a petition urging Ed Sheeran to remove Macklemore from the opening slot.
MetLife Stadium performances on Friday and Saturday triggered the push: Macklemore chanted “Free Palestine,” accused Israel of apartheid and genocide, and performed “Hind’s Hall.”
Macklemore told Jewish listeners that criticizing Israel was not criticism of them, framing his message as one of peace, dignity and equality; some fans praised the remarks online.
The dispute extends Macklemore’s public pro-Palestinian activism, which dates to late 2023 and included signing the Artists4CeaseFire letter and directing “Hind’s Hall” proceeds to Gaza-related aid.