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Macklemore took his political message to a new stage.
The rapper doubled down on his pro-Palestinian activism during the launch of his “Free Palestine” tour, weeks after his controversial remarks prompted his removal from Ed Sheeran’s lineup.
“I am proud to stand here on stage in solidarity with the Palestinian people. We will continue to fight for collective liberation until our last breath,” Macklemore told the crowd during his concert in Dublin, according to Reuters.
“Six weeks ago, two words is all that it took,” he said, referring to the fallout after he declared “Free Palestine” while opening for Ed Sheeran.
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Macklemore doubled down on his “Free Palestine” remarks during the opening of his tour. (Zoe Rain/REUTERS)
“Those two words are so threatening to some people that we’d rather silence those two words than confront what they actually mean… Somehow those words have become more controversial than the suffering that made them necessary,” Macklemore added.
Macklemore’s defiant remarks drew mixed reactions online, with some social media users applauding his outspoken activism while others questioned his motives and accused him of being out of touch. Critics also took aim at the rapper’s priorities, suggesting he should focus his attention on problems closer to home rather than delivering political speeches onstage.
One user called Macklemore “so performative and bored.”
“Imagine going to this and getting lectured by a person who is literally out of touch,” one user wrote on X in response to a video shared.
Macklemore began his “Free Palestine” tour in Dublin, Ireland. (Zoe Rain/REUTERS)
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“Macklemore should care as much about Americans on Skid Row,” another user said. “He could go down there or on any street in LA at this point, give some of his personal fortune away & save people.”
“It’s one way to stay relevant I guess,” another user wrote.
Others praised Macklemore, calling the rapper “stunning and brave.”
“Thank goodness for the humanity and courage of artists like this,” one user said. “Free Palestine.”
Macklemore hats are seen on sale outside the “Macklemore & Friends “Free Palestine” Tour on Oct. 26. (Getty Images)
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The rapper launched his “Free Palestine” tour Monday after being removed as an opening act for Ed Sheeran.
Macklemore, who’s full name is Ben Haggerty, was kicked off Sheeran’s Loop Tour following criticism from his “Free Palestine” messaging during his opening act at MetLife Stadium in early September.
Sheeran later addressed Macklemore’s removal from his U.S. tour, saying the rapper’s departure was ultimately a decision made by the concert promoter and venues – not by him.
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Macklemore was kicked off Ed Sheeran’s stadium tour over his “Free Palestine” remarks. (Getty Images)
The “Shape of You” singer said he was “appalled” by the conflict between Israel and Palestine and described the suffering on both sides as “a human tragedy,” according to a lengthy statement shared on Instagram after Macklemore accused Sheeran and tour organizers of sidelining him over his pro-Palestinian remarks.
Macklemore claimed that Sheeran told him Robert Kraft, the owner of the New England Patriots and Gillette Stadium, had rallied other stadium owners to oppose allowing the rapper to perform.
Macklemore’s “Free Palestine” tour will continue in Paris and London. US dates and locations are expected to be announced at a later date.
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Fox News Digital’s Tracy Wright contributed to this report.