Grammy-winning rapper Macklemore accused Israel of “genocide” and “apartheid” while opening for Ed Sheeran at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on September 4 and 5, declaring “Free Palestine” as Gaza imagery appeared on the stadium’s screens.
The rapper made clear that the political messaging was intentional, explaining that he joined the tour to appear “on stages and stadiums across America” and proclaim “Free Palestine.”
He then performed “Hind’s Hall,” his 2024 protest song inspired by the anti-Israel encampments at Columbia University, praising the students behind the movement and thanking Columbia University Apartheid Divest (CUAD), Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP), and Jewish Voice for Peace (JVP).
Addressing Jewish concertgoers, Macklemore claimed, “Criticism of Israel, criticism of apartheid, being against genocide in no way is a criticism of you.”
The “genocide” accusation follows a familiar pattern. For centuries, the blood libel falsely accused Jews of murdering Christian children, inciting pogroms and other anti-Jewish violence across Europe. Directed at the Jewish state and repeated without evidence, the charge functions as that libel’s modern iteration.
The “apartheid” charge is equally baseless. Arab citizens vote in Israel’s national elections, serve in the Knesset, and sit on the country’s Supreme Court. Macklemore offered no explanation for branding a country in which Arab citizens exercise those political and civil rights an “apartheid” state.
Macklemore previously faced accusations of invoking an antisemitic stereotype in 2014, when he wore an oversized prosthetic nose, black beard, and shaggy black wig during a surprise Seattle performance. Critics said the costume resembled a caricature of a Jewish man. He denied any such intention and apologized, insisting that a “Jewish stereotype” had “never crossed my mind.”
The Israeli-American Council (IAC) said Macklemore had a “one-sided political agenda” and petitioned Sheeran’s team to disclose whether it approved the speech and imagery and to set limits on political content at future shows.
Pop singer P!nk amplified the backlash by reposting criticism from StopAntisemitism, which accused Macklemore of spreading anti-Israel propaganda and said Jewish fans deserved apologies and refunds.
Some fans are now urging Sheeran to remove Macklemore from the tour’s remaining dates. Sheeran has not commented, and Macklemore remains on the bill when the tour resumes September 19 in Philadelphia.
Imagine paying $500+ to see Ed Sheeran only to be ambushed by Macklemore’s relentless anti-Israel obsession.
Yes, the same Macklemore who appeared onstage dressed as an Orthodox Jew, complete with an enormous prosthetic nose.
Fans deserve apologies and refunds.
Unacceptable. pic.twitter.com/MWKXb2A8UX— StopAntisemitism (@StopAntisemites) September 5, 2026
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