The Performance
Macklemore opened for Ed Sheeran in New Jersey on 4 September 2026. During his set, he performed a song called “Hind’s Hall” and delivered a speech about Palestine.
“One of the reasons why I wanted to come on this tour was because I wanted to stand up here on stages in stadiums across America and say two words that are very near and dear to my heart: ‘Free Palestine’,” he said from the stage. He continued: “I want those words to be loud and clear so that people from Gaza, all the way to the occupied West Bank, know that we have not forgotten them.”
He introduced the song by crediting college activists. “This next song was inspired by the bravery of Columbia University students who led an encampment movement that mobilized the entire world,” he said, naming Columbia University Apartheid Divest, Students For Justice In Palestine, and Jewish Voices For Peace. “Thank you to those students that risked their diplomas, that risked their tuition, that risked their scholarships, that stood up and said, ‘No.'”
What He Said About Criticism and Antisemitism
In the same speech, Macklemore addressed Jewish listeners directly. “To all of my Jewish brothers and sisters,” he said, “criticism of Israel, criticism of apartheid, being against genocide in no way is a criticism of you.”
He then set out his position more broadly: “My message is for peace. Love. For all human beings to be treated with dignity, respect, and equality.”
At the close of his remarks, he expanded the scope of what he was calling for. “I say free Palestine. I say free Lebanon; I say free Cuba; I say free Congo, free Sudan, free all people in America living in fear over this terrorist organization, ICE. None of us will be free until we are all free.”
The Reaction
The speech and performance prompted criticism. A petition formed calling for him to be removed from the tour.
Macklemore responded through social media. He posted a clip of his speech and wrote: “Wanting all humans to be treated equal should never be controversial.”
According to reports at the time, he indicated he would not be backing down from his position.
What Remains Unclear
The people who created the petition, and their reasons for it, have not been set out publicly. What specific part of the speech or performance they objected to is not recorded. Without that, the nature of the disagreement cannot be fully understood.
Both Macklemore and his critics appear to agree on what was said. They disagree on what saying it does, and on whether it should have been said in that setting. That disagreement cannot be settled by checking the facts of what happened; it turns on different judgements about speech, context, and responsibility.