Pink denies seeking Macklemore's removal after sharing criticism of stage remarks
Pink has denied calling for Macklemore to lose his place on Ed Sheeran's tour, after her decision to share a post criticising his pro-Palestine stage remarks drew backlash.
Macklemore made the remarks while opening Sheeran's Loop Tour at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Sept. 4 and 5, including calls to "free Palestine," according to Billboard. During the set he also called out "Free Palestine, free Cuba, the Congo, Sudan and Iran."
The sets prompted a response off stage. The Israeli American Council circulated an online petition over the remarks, as shown in USA Today footage. Pink then reshared a StopAntisemitism social media post that criticised Macklemore and called for him to be removed from Sheeran's stadium tour.
Pink faced sharp criticism for amplifying that call. She described the response as "lonely," according to Variety. She answered in a written Instagram statement on Friday, Sept. 11, setting out why she shared the post.
In the statement, Pink said she was born Jewish and has never hidden it. She said she has never spoken for Israel or for any government.
She also set out two positions on the conflict. She said she believes Hamas is a terrorist organisation. She said Palestinians deserve a future that honours their humanity and their aspirations.
Pink pointed to her work outside music. She noted her decade-long role as a UNICEF ambassador advocating for children affected by war.
She also raised Macklemore's past. She recalled his 2014 stage performance in which he wore a costume widely criticised as antisemitic. Macklemore apologised at the time, saying "I respect all cultures and all people."
Pink said sharing the recent post was not a call for punishment. She said she has never asked for another artist to be silenced and is not asking now. She wants no one fired. She wants no refund.
What makes this stand out is how personal Pink said the decision was. In her Sept. 11 post, she said she has stood up for other people's people throughout her career and knows exactly what it costs. She is now standing up for her own people, she said.
