Overview
- Macklemore, opening for Ed Sheeran at MetLife Stadium, chanted “Free Palestine,” wore a keffiyeh and performed his 2024 protest song “Hind’s Hall” with footage from Gaza during his Friday and Saturday sets.
- The Israeli‑American Council launched an online petition calling on Ed Sheeran, tour leadership, venues and promoters to remove Macklemore from remaining Loop Tour dates and to clarify whether his speech and visuals were approved in advance.
- The petition page does not show a public signature count and organizers framed the episode as an opening‑act use of a global platform to advance a one‑sided political message.
- Audience reaction and social media were sharply divided, with some concertgoers walking out and others applauding, and news outlets report no formal public response from Sheeran’s or Macklemore’s teams at the time that the petition circulated even though Macklemore posted video of his speech.
- The dispute ties to Macklemore’s longer record of pro‑Palestinian activism — including releasing “Hind’s Hall” in 2024 and directing proceeds to UNRWA — and could prompt tour policy changes or venue rules on political content if promoters choose to act.