Macklemore's MetLife speech on criticism of Israel and Jewish fans
MacklemoreRecording artist and opening act on Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour
At his September 5 set at MetLife Stadium, Macklemore addressed Jewish audience members and said criticism of Israel was not criticism of them.
Responding to
Macklemore’s MetLife message was a demand for Palestinian freedom and equal human dignity, not criticism of Jewish people.
“Criticism of Israel, criticism of apartheid, being against genocide in no way is a criticism of you.”
Original post
Reporting
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
Original post
About this source
First-party post containing the complete introductions from both MetLife performances and Macklemore’s response to criticism.
Reporting
About this source
Reporting that reproduces the full speech, including Macklemore’s direct address to Jewish listeners and the IAC response.
Before the quotation
After criticism of the first MetLife performance, Macklemore repeated the set and directly addressed Jewish audience members.
After the quotation
He described his message as peace, love, dignity, respect, and equality before repeating calls for freedom in several countries and communities.
How this statement is classified
The label describes this statement's response within the context above.
Why this label?
The statement directly disputes a central characterization while maintaining the underlying criticism of Israel.
- Recorded on
- Published here
- People and groups discussed
- Anti-Defamation League, Israeli-American Council
More from this case
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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- Macklemore's MetLife speech on criticism of Israel and Jewish fans
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The Dispute Index. "Macklemore's MetLife speech on criticism of Israel and Jewish fans". First published: 2026-09-09. Last updated: 2026-09-30. https://disputeindex.com/events/159-at-his-september-5-set-at-metlife-stadium