Macklemore Defends 'Free Palestine' Remark at 1 Stadium Show as Petition Seeks Tour Removal
Updated
Updated · Variety · Sep 7
Macklemore Defends 'Free Palestine' Remark at 1 Stadium Show as Petition Seeks Tour Removal
2 articles · Updated · Variety · Sep 7
Summary
Saturday night, Macklemore said his “Free Palestine” call at MetLife Stadium was not directed at Jewish people, telling “Jewish brothers and sisters” that criticizing Israel or “apartheid” was not criticism of them.
Friday’s remark came while opening for Ed Sheeran in New Jersey, where he told the crowd he had not forgotten people in Gaza and the West Bank and that everyone deserved the same freedom.
The backlash quickly produced a petition from the Israeli American Council demanding the four-time Grammy winner be removed from the rest of Sheeran’s Loop tour.
Macklemore broadened his message in the clarification, also saying “free Lebanon,” “free Cuba,” “free Congo,” “free Sudan,” and calling for freedom for people in America living in fear of ICE.