Pop star Macklemore to benefit pro-Palestinian group
Pop star Macklemore is facing backlash from Jewish organizations for pledging concert proceeds to the Palestinian Youth Movement. The controversy follows his removal from an Ed Sheeran tour after making pro-Palestinian remarks.
Why it matters
Illustrates the intersection of celebrity activism, geopolitical tensions, and the resulting public and industry backlash.
Macklemore, the rapper of hits such as “Thrift Shop” and “Can't Hold Us,” is facing backlash from Jewish organizations over plans to donate proceeds from his forthcoming concert tour to the Palestinian Youth Movement, which described the Hamas-led Oct. 7 attacks on Israel as a “prison break.” The rapper was dropped on Sept. 14 from an opening slot on Ed Sheeran's US stadium tour after making pro-Palestinian remarks onstage. He announced his “Free Palestine” tour on Sept. 24, pledging that all proceeds would benefit organizations supporting Palestinians. PYM is among 12 organizations named as beneficiaries.The tour includes concerts in Dublin on Oct. 26, Paris on Oct. 29, and London on Oct. 30.Support for Macklemore surges following drop from Ed Sheeran's tourMacklemore received a surge of support after being dropped from Sheeran's tour, with all of Sheeran's remaining opening acts quitting in solidarity.
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