Netizens Claim Macklemore Is Turning the Entire Palestine Discourse Into a 'PR Stunt'

Macklemore has faced online accusations that his new Free Palestine Tour is a 'PR stunt' after the rapper announced the concerts on 24 September 2026, days after he was removed from Ed Sheeran's US tour following pro-Palestinian remarks made on stage.

The American rapper, whose full name is Benjamin Hammond Haggerty, is scheduled to perform in Dublin on 26 October, Paris on 29 October and London on 30 October. Macklemore said all proceeds from the concerts would benefit organisations supporting Palestinians, with additional US dates and performers expected to be announced.

Why Macklemore's Free Palestine Tour Drew Criticism

For context, Macklemore was due to perform as an opening act on the remaining dates of Sheeran's Loop Tour. During a 4 September concert at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, he told the crowd he wanted to use the stadium stage to say two words close to his heart, 'Free Palestine.'

He was removed from the tour on 14 September. Messina Touring Group, the promoter for Sheeran's US shows, said venues had informed organisers they would not allow concerts to proceed with Macklemore on the lineup.

The promoter said the situation could have resulted in cancelled shows and affected hundreds of thousands of fans.

Macklemore said he and Sheeran had held 'difficult conversations' before his removal. Sheeran later said the decision was made by the promoter rather than him.

At a subsequent Philadelphia concert, Sheeran apologised to fans and said he had been 'making mistakes.' He also described the situation in Gaza as 'catastrophic and unjustifiable,' while calling it 'disproportionate.'

The timing of Macklemore's new tour has nevertheless prompted criticism online. Some X users have described the announcement as a 'PR stunt,' while others have questioned whether the concerts could also generate publicity for the rapper following his removal from Sheeran's shows.

'So he really threw Ed Sheeran under the bus just to turn the Palestine discourse into a career reboot and then announce his own tour... this feels like a PR stunt more than anything,' one user wrote.

Another accused Macklemore of acting for 'his own selfish gain.' A third claimed the phrase 'Free Palestine' had become an attention-seeking slogan. A fourth described the announcement as 'so performative.'

The posts reflect individual opinions and do not establish Macklemore's motives or the purpose of the tour. There is no evidence presented in them that the concerts were organised primarily for publicity.

Macklemore Says Artists Must Use Their Platforms

Macklemore has presented the tour as a way to raise humanitarian aid and as a response to what he described as pressure on artists who speak about Palestine.

'Being apolitical during a genocide doesn't work anymore,' he said in the announcement. 'People are asking artists to show up, educate themselves and be in community. To use the stage for more than entertainment.'

The reference to genocide reflects Macklemore's characterisation. It should not be presented as an unqualified description in the article's own narrative voice.

He said the previous weeks had shown him a 'collective awakening around Palestinian liberation' and the influence of wealthy figures attempting to limit public speech.

'What happened to me is bigger than one artist or one stage,' Macklemore added. '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.'

The announcement has received both criticism and support online. Some users have questioned Macklemore's motives, while supporters have praised his decision to attach the concerts to humanitarian aid.

The two positions are not necessarily mutually exclusive. A benefit concert can raise money while also increasing an artist's visibility. But that possibility does not establish that Macklemore's stated purpose is insincere.

The concerts are being promoted as bringing Macklemore together with 'artists and friends,' although no additional performers have been named. Official venue information lists 12 beneficiary organisations.

They are Anera, Glia, Gaza Soup Kitchen, Taawon, HEAL Palestine, Palestinian Youth Movement, Middle East Children's Alliance, Jewish Voice for Peace, Medical Aid for Palestinians, Institute for Middle East Understanding, Palestine Children's Relief Fund and UNRWA USA.

The wording 'all proceeds' means the amount generated after applicable costs. It does not necessarily mean that every pound or dollar from ticket sales will be donated.

Additional US dates and performers are expected to be announced. Until organisers publish further financial details, the precise amount raised for the listed organisations cannot be assessed.

For now, the confirmed facts are narrower than the online debate. Macklemore announced three European concerts after leaving Sheeran's tour, said all proceeds would support the listed organisations and linked the shows to his public advocacy for Palestinians.

The allegations about a 'PR stunt' remain the views of individual X users, not an established finding.