What the Ed Sheeran, Macklemore controversy taught us about ‘Free Palestine’

“Thrift Shop” hitmaker Macklemore uttered the words, “Free Palestine,” when he opened for Ed Sharrean’s stadium tour during the North American leg in September. This incident was very divisive as it led to Macklemore being kicked off the tour as Ed Sheeran’s opening act along with a slew of other opening acts. What happened? Macklemore opened for Ed Sheeran at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., where he chanted “Free Palestine” while also displaying footage from the war in Gaza. The rapper’s primary reason for opening up for Ed Sheeran’s stadium tour was to spread his messaging in support of Palestine in relation to the freedom of people all around the world. He specifically said, “Every single human being that walks this earth deserves…[to] know safety and peace before they know the sound of violence,” in the two to three minute soliloquy. He mentioned how being against genocide is not a criticism of Jews.

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