Fetterman: Macklemore's Palestinian relief pledge is "all going to Hamas, 100%"
John FettermanU.S. Senator (D-PA)
Sen. John Fetterman said Macklemore missed the irony of saying "Free Palestine" at a concert given Hamas's October 7 attack on the Nova music festival, and claimed Macklemore's pledged $1 million in Palestinian relief donations would go directly to Hamas.
“it's all going to Hamas, 100%.”
Interview
Where this statement fits
Macklemore’s “Free Palestine” speech and removal from Ed Sheeran’s U.S. tour
At two Ed Sheeran concerts at MetLife Stadium, Macklemore called for a free Palestine, accused Israel of apartheid and genocide, and said criticism of Israel was not criticism of Jewish people. After venue objections, tour promoter Messina Touring Group said he would not perform the remaining U.S. Loop Tour dates. Critics characterized the performance as hostile or inappropriate; Macklemore defended it as a call for equal treatment.
Source and context
Interview
About this source
TMZ DC on-camera doorstop interview with Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) on Capitol Hill, conducted by reporter Jacob Wasserman, asking about Macklemore's Free Palestine remarks and his $1 million pledge to six Palestinian relief organizations.
Archived copy (opens in a new tab)Before the quotation
Said in an on-camera doorstop interview with TMZ DC reporter Jacob Wasserman on Capitol Hill, September 17, 2026.
After the quotation
When the reporter noted Robert Kraft and Ed Sheeran were also donating and asked whether that money would likewise reach Hamas, Fetterman stood by his broader claim.
How this statement is classified
The label describes this statement's response within the context above.
Why this label?
Fetterman directly criticizes Macklemore's choice of forum given the Nova festival attack and asserts his relief-fund pledge will fund Hamas rather than aid recipients, an express condemnation of Macklemore's conduct.
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- People and groups discussed
- Macklemore
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Read the full caseMacklemore says the "billionaire class" should not decide "which voices are allowed on stage"
“What happened to me is bigger than one artist or one stage. When the billionaire class can decide which voices are allowed on stage and which ones are too dangerous to hear, everyone should be paying attention. So we're going on tour. All proceeds will benefit organizations supporting the Palestinian people and movement.”Read statement
Jewish Voice for Peace says the backlash to Macklemore's removal shows support for pro-Palestine speech
Jewish Voice for Peace
“Two years into Trump’s crackdown on pro-Palestine organizing, the backlash against Sheeran shows how little patience Americans have for attacks on pro-Palestine speech. It also demonstrates the shift toward support for Palestinian rights among everyday Americans that our movements have helped propel.”Read statement
Macklemore announces "Free Palestine Tour" after removal from U.S. dates
“To push back when the call for a Free Palestine is met with attempts to silence it.”Read statement
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The Dispute Index. "Fetterman: Macklemore's Palestinian relief pledge is "all going to Hamas, 100%"". First published: 2026-09-18. Last updated: 2026-09-18. https://disputeindex.com/events/1001-sen-john-fetterman-said-macklemore-missed-the-irony