Why Is Pink Being Dragged Into the Macklemore Row? Singer Defends Post on Palestine and Jewish Safety

Pink has explained why she became involved in the growing controversy surrounding Macklemore after his pro-Palestine speeches during Ed Sheeran's US tour.

The singer faced days of criticism after resharing a post condemning Macklemore's MetLife Stadium performance earlier this month. Now, Pink says her objection was not to the phrase 'Free Palestine' or Palestinian advocacy, but to a moment she said left her frightened as a Jewish mother.

The row has since grown beyond social media. Macklemore was dropped from the remaining US dates of Sheeran's Loop tour following objections from venues, although Pink has stressed that she did not want the rapper silenced or fired.

How Did Pink Get Involved in the Macklemore Row?

Pink, whose real name is Alecia Beth Moore, entered the debate after Macklemore used his opening slot at Sheeran's MetLife Stadium concert in New Jersey on 4 September to speak about Palestine.

Macklemore told the audience 'Free Palestine' and performed his protest song 'Hind's Hall' while footage depicting destruction in Gaza appeared on stadium screens.

After criticism of the performance, Macklemore returned the following night and addressed Jewish concertgoers, saying his criticism of Israel and opposition to what he described as genocide were 'in no way' criticisms of them.

Days later, Pink reshared a social media post critical of Macklemore's performance. The move quickly drew backlash, with some users accusing her of opposing Palestinian advocacy and supporting calls to have Macklemore removed from Sheeran's tour.

'Free Palestine' Was Not Behind Pink's Objection

Pink subsequently issued a lengthy statement on Instagram to explain her position in her own words. The 47-year-old acknowledged that the original repost contained language she had not written and would not have chosen herself.

'I was born a Jew. I didn't pick it, and I've never hidden it,' she wrote, before making clear that she does not speak for Israel or its government.

Pink said she continues to believe Hamas is a terrorist organisation while also arguing that Palestinians deserve a future respecting their 'humanity and their aspirations.' She cited her work as a UNICEF ambassador and said protecting innocent lives should come first.

Most importantly, Pink denied that Macklemore saying 'Free Palestine' prompted her response.

'I have never asked for another artist to be silenced and I'm not asking now,' she wrote, adding that she did not need anyone fired.

Pink Says Macklemore's Stadium Speech 'Scared' Her

Instead, Pink said her concern centred on Macklemore addressing Jewish people after displaying graphic images from the war.

She objected specifically to the rapper telling Jewish concertgoers that his political criticism was not directed towards them.

'You don't get to decide that for us,' Pink wrote.

She said she wanted to be able to say, as a Jewish mother, that the episode 'scared me, and it scared people I love' without that fear being dismissed or interpreted as support for the killing of Palestinians.

Pink also referenced Macklemore's controversial 2014 costume featuring a fake hooked nose, black wig and beard. Macklemore apologised at the time after critics said the appearance relied on antisemitic stereotypes.

Meanwhile, Macklemore confirmed on 14 September that he had been removed from Sheeran's remaining US shows after what he called a 'fundamental disagreement' with the British singer.