In addition to a pro-Israel group calling for his removal from Sheeran's tour, P!nk and Boy George have criticized the "Thrift Shop" rapper's statements.

Macklemore performs at the Rolling Stone Future of Music Showcase at TEST Folder during the SXSW Conference & Festivals held at the Alamo Draft House on March 12, 2026 in Austin, Texas.

Benedict Jones/SXSW Conference & Festivals

Macklemore is not backing down from the “Free Palestine” statements he made during opening slots on Ed Sheeran‘s Loop tour over the weekend. After facing backlash from Jewish organizations and from several other artists for chanting “Free Palestine” on stage during his sets on Friday (Sept. 4) and Saturday (Sept. 5) at Sheeran’s gigs at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium, Macklemore (born Benjamin Haggerty), posted “Wanting all humans to be treated equal should never be controversial,” on X, along with video of his speech from Saturday’s show.

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