Mark Ruffalo joins Macklemore at ‘Free Palestine’ concert with surprise appearance

The appearance brought the actor into the spotlight alongside the rapper’s outspoken support for Palestinians

Mark Ruffalo has shown public support for Macklemore after making a surprise video appearance during the rapper’s concert in Dublin, where he urged the artist and audience to continue advocating for Palestinians and humanitarian causes.

The actor’s recorded message was played during the show, with Ruffalo telling the crowd to “keep fighting for a free Palestine and for humanity all over the world”, according to ThePrint, which reported the appearance on October 27.

The message comes amid controversy surrounding Macklemore’s removal from the remaining US dates of Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour. The rapper had made pro-Palestinian remarks during a performance at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, including calling for a free Palestine.

Macklemore subsequently alleged that billionaire businessman Robert Kraft, whose company owns the New England Patriots and Gillette Stadium, had pressured Sheeran to remove him from the tour. Macklemore claimed that Kraft had contacted other stadium owners, who threatened not to host Sheeran if the rapper remained on the bill. These claims were made by Macklemore and should not be treated as independently established facts.

Sheeran later said the decision to remove Macklemore had been made by the tour’s promoter, not by him. He explained that venues had threatened to withdraw their support if Macklemore continued as an opening act, and said he had tried to find a resolution.

The dispute has drawn attention to the different ways musicians approach political expression during live performances. Macklemore has continued to voice support for Palestinians, while Sheeran has said he wants his concerts to bring audiences together despite differing views.

Ruffalo, known for his work in film and his public advocacy on social and political issues, used his message to express solidarity with Macklemore’s call for Palestinian freedom and broader humanity.