Kneecap posts solidarity with Macklemore

Irish-language rap group

All love and solidarity to @macklemore. FREE PALESTINE.
Open source (opens in a new tab)Ed Sheeran addresses Macklemore’s tour exit amid Robert Kraft boycott claimsPassages quoting Sheeran, Aaron Rowe, Ms. Rachel, Kneecap, Mayor Hammoud and Rep. Jayapal.

Source and context

Reporting

Ed Sheeran addresses Macklemore’s tour exit amid Robert Kraft boycott claims (opens in a new tab)Passages quoting Sheeran, Aaron Rowe, Ms. Rachel, Kneecap, Mayor Hammoud and Rep. Jayapal.

About this source

NBC News reports Sheeran’s September 15 Instagram statement and rounds up public figures who voiced support for Macklemore, including Kneecap and the mayor of Dearborn. Published 11:03 a.m. ET and updated 3:18 p.m. ET on September 15, 2026.

Before the quotation

The post appeared amid widespread reaction to Macklemore’s removal from the tour.

After the quotation

Reporting notes the group previously contested a terrorism charge in the United Kingdom. The post is an expression of solidarity and does not address the promoter or the venues.

How this statement is classified

Defended or excused

Case context: Macklemore’s “Free Palestine” speech and removal from Ed Sheeran’s U.S. tour

The label describes this statement’s response within the context above.

Why this label?

Relative to Macklemore’s speech and removal, Kneecap expresses solidarity with him by name and repeats the phrase at the centre of the dispute. The caption is brief but attributable and directed at Macklemore rather than at the conflict generally.

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Jonathan Greenblatt

Glad to see Macklemore off Ed Sheeran’s tour. For years, Macklemore has pushed antisemitic tropes and demonized Israel and Israelis. Now he certainly has the 1A right to speak out and express his views, but demonizing Jews and Israelis shouldn’t be rewarded.
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Ben Rhodes

When your only response to dissent is to use power and wealth to make it go away, you are going to have the opposite effect. People can see what’s happening in the Middle East with their eyes and don’t want to be told what they’re allowed to think by people who own stadiums.
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Richard Boyd Barrett

So proud of Aaron. A brave and selfless act to stand with Palestine & humanity against Israel’s barbarism and the billionaires that support their crimes. Aaron you have upheld Ireland’s noble tradition of resistance to colonialism & Empire. So proud!
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