Macklemore faced criticism on X after announcing a 'Free Palestine' tour in London, Dublin and Paris from 26 to 29 October, with commenters questioning his motives and one dubbing the concerts a 'Fake Victim Fest'.
The announcement followed his removal from Ed Sheeran's Loop tour after pro-Palestinian remarks. One commenter questioned whether the new dates were 'Performative or consistent', while the rapper pledged all proceeds to organisations supporting Palestine.
Questions For Macklemore
One X user explicitly tied the announcement to his dismissal, writing, 'get dropped from the Sheeran tour and immediately drop your own Free Palestine dates'. Others challenged his decision to stage the concerts in European cities.
'No one has talked about Macklemore in a long time. I guess this is one way to get attention!!!' one commenter wrote.
'Notice he isn't going to Gaza,' one user wrote. Another asked, 'Why aren't they holding it in Palestine? Would make more sense.'
Some users suggested the concerts were a bid to revive his career rather than a reflection of his support for Palestinians.
The discussion also revived criticism of a costume Macklemore wore at the EMP Museum in May 2014. His black wig, beard and prosthetic hooked nose drew accusations that he was caricaturing a Jewish man. Actor Seth Rogen was among those who criticised the outfit.
Macklemore said at the time that he had intended only to disguise himself and had meant no offence. In an apology quoted by TODAY, he said, 'I respect all cultures and all people. I would never intentionally put down anybody for the fabric that makes them who they are.'
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Macklemore Pledges Proceeds
The rapper, whose real name is Benjamin Hammond Haggerty, said he would travel with friends for the October concerts. His poster promised that all proceeds would go to organisations supporting Palestine and the Palestinian movement.
In his announcement on X, Macklemore linked the new tour to his removal from Sheeran's line-up.
'What happened to me is bigger than one artist or one stage,' he wrote.
'When the billionaire class can decide which voices are allowed on stage and which ones are too dangerous to hear, everyone should be paying attention,' he added.
His exit followed performances in New Jersey during which he chanted 'Free Palestine'. The new dates continue that message, with the fundraising pledge set out on the tour flyer.
The Blast reported that Finneas, Aaron Rowe, Lukas Graham and Beoga withdrew from Sheeran's tour in solidarity with Macklemore. Pro-Palestinian protest groups also gathered outside an arena to object to his removal, according to the outlet.
The report also described low ticket sales for Sheeran's Philadelphia show and refund demands directed at Ticketmaster following Macklemore's departure.
The response has extended to Gaza City, where local artists reportedly painted a mural of the rapper on a concrete slab. The painting depicts him draped in a Palestinian flag with a raised fist. The account said residents praised Macklemore for maintaining his position after his removal from Sheeran's tour.
Artists Anne Redwan and Qusai al-Helo were credited with the mural in the outlet's account. Beside Macklemore's portrait, the message reads, 'Thank you for using your voice for Palestine.'
