Macklemore Defends 'Free Palestine' Remark Made While Opening for Ed Sheeran

Musician Macklemore is facing backlash from pro-Israel groups after he said "Free Palestine" while performing as an opening act for singer Ed Sheeran, according to a report by Al Jazeera.

The rapper has defended his remark following criticism, the report said, though specific details of his response were not fully outlined in the available account.

Al Jazeera reported that the comment drew condemnation from pro-Israel organizations, though the exact nature of their objections and any further public statements from Sheeran's camp or concert organizers were not detailed in the source material.

Macklemore, whose full name is Ben Haggerty, has previously spoken publicly about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The latest incident adds to a broader pattern of celebrities facing scrutiny over public statements related to the conflict.

Al Jazeera's report did not provide additional context on the venue, date, or location of the concert, nor further comment from Sheeran or his representatives.