---
title: "Macklemore Performs in Dublin Amidst Controversy Over Pro-Palestinian Comments"
url: https://noti.group/macklemore-performs-in-dublin-amidst-controversy-over-pro-palestinian/
language: en
publisher: "Noti Group"
section: "Entertainment"
published: 2026-10-26T21:53:05.000Z
updated: 2026-10-27T02:57:11.500Z
id: 85930c3d-e7ae-49e6-a49c-f486e481e94a
source: "BBC News Entertainment https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cqkgl82nm43po?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss"
attribution: "Link to https://noti.group/macklemore-performs-in-dublin-amidst-controversy-over-pro-palestinian/ and name Noti Group when you quote or summarize this story."
---

# Macklemore Performs in Dublin Amidst Controversy Over Pro-Palestinian Comments

The American rapper performed at the city's 3Arena to a crowd of up to 13,000, following his removal from Ed Sheeran's Loop Tour.

Macklemore's Free Palestine tour kicked off in Dublin last night, amidst controversy following his recent removal from Ed Sheeran's Loop Tour. The American rapper performed at the city's 3Arena to a crowd of up to 13,000.

In a pre-show statement, Macklemore hinted that there would be some exciting surprises for the audience. Fans are eagerly anticipating what these unexpected guests might bring to the stage.

The tour comes after Macklemore was dropped from Sheeran's tour following his pro-Palestinian comments made during two concerts. These remarks included referring to Israel's military actions in Gaza as a genocide, which has been disputed by Israeli authorities.

Macklemore's setlist for the Dublin show featured several notable acts, including singer-songwriter Hozier and rap trio Kneecap, who have also performed on Sheeran's tour.

More than 70,000 people have lost their lives in Gaza during Israel's military campaign in the territory, according to figures from Hamas' health ministry that are considered reliable by the UN.

The Israeli government maintains its troops conduct self-defence operations in both Gaza and the occupied West Bank, adhering to international law.

In Dublin, where Macklemore is currently on tour, fans gathered at the venue hours before doors opened.

Dozens of concertgoers had already secured tickets, which sold out quickly. Many attendees wore keffiyeh scarves, a symbol of Palestinian identity.

Outside the arena, vendors were selling merchandise bearing the logos of Kneecap and other pro-Palestinian items, including flags and hats.

The atmosphere outside the arena is electric as fans eagerly await the start of Macklemore's Free Palestine tour, which has been generating significant buzz in recent weeks.

Supporters are donning merchandise bearing pro-Palestinian logos and flags, a testament to the strong emotions surrounding the issue.

One fan, who traveled from Cork, expressed her enthusiasm for the event, stating that people want to show their support for the cause.

She acknowledged that the tour has been met with controversy, particularly after Macklemore's performance was cut short due to allegations of hate speech and antisemitic rhetoric.

Macklemore had accused stadium owners of conspiring against him, claiming they were trying to silence his pro-Palestinian views by pushing him off the tour.

Concert promoter Messina Touring Group was ultimately responsible for dropping Macklemore from Ed Sheeran's tour.

The decision had a ripple effect, leading to the withdrawal of all support acts in solidarity with the rapper and sparking frustration among fans who were looking forward to seeing him perform.

In response to the backlash, Sheeran addressed the controversy during his show in Philadelphia.

Sheeran acknowledged that he made mistakes in handling the fallout from the tour's changes. He apologized to fans for any disappointment caused and expressed his views on the Israel-Gaza conflict, describing it as a humanitarian issue.

The 7 October 2023 attacks were specifically condemned by Sheeran as "horrific, while he also characterized the situation in Gaza as unjustifiable and disproportionate".

---
Source: [BBC News Entertainment](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cqkgl82nm43po?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss)  
Published by Noti Group: https://noti.group/macklemore-performs-in-dublin-amidst-controversy-over-pro-palestinian/