Updated
Updated · Fox News · Sep 7
Rapaport Slams 43-Year-Old Macklemore Over Pro-Palestinian Set at 2 Ed Sheeran Shows
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Sep 7

Rapaport Slams 43-Year-Old Macklemore Over Pro-Palestinian Set at 2 Ed Sheeran Shows

3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Sep 7

Summary

  • Michael Rapaport called Macklemore a "clown" on X after the rapper used his opening slots at Ed Sheeran’s MetLife Stadium concerts on Friday and Saturday to chant "Free Palestine."
  • Macklemore said he joined Sheeran’s U.S. tour partly to speak for Palestine, then performed "Hind’s Hall" as Gaza footage, protest images and pro-Palestinian messages filled the stadium screens.
  • Ed Sheeran also drew criticism because Macklemore returned for the second night despite backlash after the first show; Fox News Digital said representatives for both artists did not immediately comment.
  • Concertgoers split sharply, with some saying the political set shocked families and prompted walkouts, while others praised Macklemore for using a stadium platform for what they called human-rights advocacy.
  • The dispute widened after the Israeli-American Council launched a petition seeking Macklemore’s removal from Sheeran’s remaining tour dates, extending scrutiny of the rapper’s long-running pro-Palestinian activism.

Insights

Will Ed Sheeran cave to mounting pressure and drop his controversial opening act?
Where is the line drawn between mainstream concert entertainment and unsolicited political activism?
How will music giants like Live Nation police artists' political speech moving forward?