'Free Palestine' Tour Announcement from Macklemore

US rapper Macklemore announced that he will hold a tour called "Free Palestine", days after he was removed from Ed Sheeran's "Loop Tour" due to pro-Palestinian statements he made on stage earlier this month.

The American artist, whose real name is Benjamin Haggerty, said that the proceeds from the tour, which will start in Dublin next month and continue in Paris and London, will be transferred to organizations supporting Palestinians. In his announcement about the tour, Macklemore said, "The last few weeks have shown us that something has changed in the last 3 years. There has been a collective awakening about the liberation of Palestine, the power of billionaires trying to censor this call, and what we expect from artists today. The year is 2026. It no longer works to stay away from politics while a genocide is ongoing. People want artists to show up, educate themselves, and take part in society. They expect them to use the stage for more, not just entertainment. The call for a free Palestine will not be silenced." "He wants them to oppose it when it is tried."

Pointing out that what happened to him was not an isolated incident, Macklemore said, "If the billionaire class can decide which voices will be allowed on stage and which are too dangerous to hear, everyone should pay attention to this."

WHAT HAPPENED?

The removal of rapper Macklemore, known for his song "Thrift Shop", from the tour due to pro-Palestinian statements caused Sheeran's other front artists to also withdraw from the tour. The British artist said that the decision to remove the rapper from the tour was made by his manager, not him. Macklemore, on the other hand, claimed that Kraft Group CEO and Gillette Stadium owner Robert Kraft personally called Sheeran and told him that the rapper would not be allowed to perform at the stadium. Macklemore made the statements that led to Sheeran's removal from his tour at the Metlife Stadium concerts in New Jersey on September 4-5.

In his statements here, Macklemore said, "I want the slogan 'Free Palestine' to be heard loud and clear in stadiums across America. From Gaza to the occupied West Bank, people know that we have not forgotten them." While introducing his song Hind's Hall, the musician touched upon the pro-Palestinian student protests at Columbia University and praised the students for taking action by risking their diplomas, scholarships and tuition fees.

Addressing the Jewish audience, Macklemore said, "I call out to all my Jewish brothers. Criticizing Israel, criticizing apartheid, being against genocide is in no way a criticism of you." At the end of his speech, Macklemore said, "I say Free Palestine. I say Free Lebanon. I say Free Cuba, Free Congo, Free Sudan. Until we are all free, none of us will be free."