Topline
F1 driver Lewis Hamilton came out in support of Macklemore on Wednesday, becoming the latest celebrity to back the rapper after multiple venues barred him from performing as a supporting act for Ed Sheeran’s North American tour following “free Palestine” remarks he made in New York earlier this month.
Hamilton commented on Macklemore’s post Wednesday morning.
Photo by Bryn Lennon – Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty Images
Key Facts
Hamilton commented on a Monday post of Macklemore’s in which the rapper defended his remarks and explained how he was prohibited from performing at multiple stops on the tour.
“Thank you for using your voice, standing with you,” Hamilton remarked on the post.
Macklemore’s post claimed Sheeran told him New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft barred Macklemore from Gillette Stadium and rallied other stadium owners to give Sheeran an ultimatum: “if Macklemore stays on the tour, you will not be allowed to play in our venues.”
The post, which has garnered 7.2 million likes, has received supportive comments from several celebrities and music artists including singer-songwriter Kehlani, who said, “A LOT of the venues / owners are rallied together this way. honored to know you brother. adore you. behind you!!!!” in a comment that has received nearly 400,000 likes.
Who Else Has Come Out In Support Of Macklemore?
Public figures and groups including Zara Larsson, Greta Thunberg, Rachel Chinouriri, Bob Vylan and Kneecap left supportive comments on Macklemore’s post. Florence Pugh, who spoke at a “Together for Palestine” benefit concert last year, liked the rapper’s post, alongside Penélope Cruz, Rachel Zegler, Cara Delevingne, Amanda Seyfried, Chase Infiniti, Bella Hadid and Hozier. Macklemore also received support from Aaron Rowe, Finneas and Lukas Graham, the opening acts who ditched the remainder of Sheeran’s tour. Rowe said he could not “stand by and allow billionaires to use their position of power to silence the rightful voices of those who speak up against Israeli genocide and who highlight the savage murder of children,” a sentiment echoed by Irish folk band Beoga, Sheeran’s backing band for the tour that withdrew Tuesday.
Key Background
Macklemore told the crowd during a MetLife Stadium show on Sept. 4 he joined the tour to be able to say “two words that are very near and dear to my heart: free Palestine.” During the next show at MetLife, the rapper said “criticism of Israel, criticism of apartheid [and] being against genocide in no way is a criticism” of Jewish people. As controversy mounted and pro-Israel groups blasted Macklemore, the rapper took to social media to explain the situation and defend his comments, noting Sheeran was placed “in a f—– up position.” Sheeran, an apolitical artist, said in a Tuesday post he was “not complicit” in Macklemore’s removal and added he was “appalled by the conflict between Israel and Palestine.” He noted he “spoke with the venues at length all week to try and build a bridge,” including talks with Kraft, who confirmed this week he barred Macklemore from performing at Gillette Stadium. Kraft has not taken responsibility for rallying other stadium owners to prohibit the rapper.
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