Pink breaks silence on Macklemore controversy after backlash over pro Palestine repost

Pink says her concerns came from Macklemore’s remarks about Jewish audiences, not his support for Palestine

Pink has addressed the backlash surrounding her criticism of Macklemore, explaining why she reposted a message calling for the rapper to be removed from Ed Sheeran’s tour and insisting that her objection was not simply about his support for Palestine.

The singer broke her silence in a lengthy social media statement after facing intense criticism over the repost. Pink said she wanted to explain her position in her own words after initially sharing someone else’s message rather than making a detailed statement herself.

Pink acknowledged that reposting the message created confusion about what she personally believed. She argued that she would rather face disagreement over her own views than be judged for words written by somebody else.

The controversy began after Macklemore performed as part of Ed Sheeran’s LOOP TOUR at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. During his set, Macklemore expressed support for Palestinians and called for freedom for people in Gaza and the occupied West Bank. His remarks prompted criticism from some concertgoers and a petition from the Israeli American Council calling for him to be removed from the remaining tour dates.

Macklemore later responded directly to criticism, saying his condemnation of Israel and support for Palestinians should not be interpreted as criticism of Jewish people. He said his message was about peace, dignity and equality and repeated his calls for freedom for people facing conflict and oppression in several parts of the world.

Pink said her own reaction was specifically connected to comments Macklemore made during his performances and the way she understood those comments in relation to Jewish people. She stressed that she was not objecting to people saying "Free Palestine" and said she had never called for another artist to be silenced.

The singer also referred to her own Jewish identity and explained that she felt personally affected by the controversy. She said she wanted to be able to express fear for herself and people she loves without having her broader political beliefs assumed or misrepresented.

Pink also pointed to her history of political and humanitarian advocacy. She referenced her work with UNICEF and her previous opposition to the Iraq War, as well as her support for LGBTQ+ young people and other causes throughout her career. She argued that speaking about the concerns of Jewish people should not erase her previous record of advocating for other communities.

The dispute has divided reactions online, with some commenters criticising Pink for her stance while others praised her for speaking publicly about her Jewish identity and concerns. Pink eventually disabled comments on her post after sharply divided responses appeared beneath it.