Macklemore took the stage at an Ed Sheeran concert on September 4, shouted “Free Palestine!”, put a giant Palestinian flag on the screen behind him and began performing “Hind’s Hall” while appearing as Sheeran’s opening act. The song accuses Israel of apartheid and genocide.
At the MetLife Stadium performance, the rapper said: “I believe that every person walking on this earth deserves exactly the same freedom.” At the second MetLife Stadium concert, he reiterated his support for Palestinians and said his declaration and criticism of Israel’s actions were “in no way is criticism” of Jewish people.
The performances on Sheeran’s Loop Tour in early September 2026 brought Macklemore’s Palestine advocacy to a wider concert audience. Pro-Israel activists said he had “hijack[ed]” the stage and blindsided Israeli and pro-Israel fans who had expected an apolitical concert.
The Israeli-American Council started a petition calling for Macklemore to be removed, while StopAntisemitism amplified the backlash through a viral social-media post about the concert.
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Robert Kraft, a Jewish philanthropist who owns one of the stadiums on the tour, successfully pressed Sheeran to remove Macklemore from the remaining US dates. Kraft said the decision concerned a “broader history of antisemitic rhetoric and imagery”, rather than the words “Free Palestine” alone.
After his removal, Macklemore said he would give his entire $1 million income from the tour to six Palestinian aid organisations, and challenged Kraft to match the $1 million donation. Kraft offered to meet with him.
Macklemore later announced a standalone “Free Palestine” tour in London, Paris and Dublin for October. All proceeds will go to organisations supporting Palestinians, and the concerts are sold out.
The Palestinian Youth Movement is listed in Macklemore’s social-media posts as a beneficiary. Its British branch reportedly defended the taking of hostages during the 7 October 2023 Hamas-led onslaught on southern Israel. The group said on social media: “We are incredibly grateful for our partnership with Macklemore on the Free Palestine Tour, alongside the many crucial organizations supporting our people back home”.
Other named beneficiaries include Palestine Children’s Relief Fund, HEAL Palestine, Gaza Soup Kitchen, Medical Aid for Palestinians, UNRWA USA and Jewish Voice for Peace. NGO Monitor said three of the six aid groups had Hamas and other terrorist ties. The list also includes an organisation supporting UNRWA, the UN agency for Palestinians that Israel has accused of collaborating with Hamas.
Kraft’s reference to a broader history reaches back to May 2014, when Macklemore was accused of antisemitism after wearing a costume resembling a typical Jewish caricature at a private concert in Seattle, Washington. Macklemore apologised and said he had intended to wear a costume, rather than impersonate any “type” of person.
Macklemore has presented the dispute over his removal as part of his campaign for Palestinians. “If the words [free Palestine] cost me the stage, while turning the conversation back onto Palestine, then it was the most successful tour I’ve ever been on,” he said.
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