Michael Rapaport hits out at Macklemore after pro-Palestine statement

Michael Rapaport hits out at Macklemore after pro-Palestine statement Michael Rapaport took aim at Macklemore after the rapper made a bold political statement while opening for Ed Sheeran at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Friday, September 4 View 4 Images Michael Rapaport took aim at Macklemore after his pro-Palestine fueled set at Ed Sheeran's show (Image: Getty Images) Michael Rapaport took aim at rapper Macklemore after he chanted a pro-Palestinian message while opening for Ed Sheeran at MetLife Stadium on Friday, September 4, and Saturday, September 5. ‌ The rapper, 43, served as Sheeran's opening act during his most recent shows, which took place in East Rutherford, New Jersey. As he performed, Macklemore made a bold political statement, as he repeatedly called out 'Free Palestine' during his set, and also performed his anti-Israel song, Hind's Hall. This led to swift backlash from many who are pro-Israel voices, most specifically Rappaport, 56, who is Jewish and has become one of Hollywood's most outspoken voices. Article continues below Taking to X on Saturday, Rapaport slammed Macklemore, real name Benjamin Haggerty, for his act, calling him a 'clown.' 'Imagine going to see Ed Sheeran & this absolute no talent none singer non rapper non dancing clown Macklemore is opening & because he actually has no act of specific skill set he's jumping around like dkc carrying on about a genocide that never happened in Gaza,' he wrote. 'This is a nightmare.' ‌ View 4 Images Michael Rapaport took aim at Macklemore after the rapper's political statement (Image: Getty Images) He later shared a second critical post aimed at Sheeran and his decision to bring Macklemore as an opening act. 'So Ed Sheeran is ok with this p–stain opening up for him? Sweet Ed Sheeran?' he questioned. ‌ During the Friday night show, Macklemore, who wore a keffiyeh around his neck as he performed, repeatedly chanted 'say free, free Palestine!' as music played and he walked around the stage and held up the microphone. He then delivered a speech where he said he wanted to use stages across America to advocate for Palestine–something he can do as the opener for the U.S. Leg of Sheeran's 'Loop Tour.' View 4 Images Rapaport's comment comes after Mackelmore made a major pro-Palestine statement during Ed Sheeran's show in New Jersey (Image: AFP via Getty Images) ‌ 'A big part of the reason why I wanted to do this tour in the first place is so I could stand up in stadiums like this and say two words that are very near and dear to my heart: Free Palestine,' he said. 'I said, 'Free Palestine!' I want those words to be loud and clear, so that people all the way in Gaza to the occupied West Bank know that we have not forgotten about them,' he continued. He then shared his reasoning for speaking out, relating it to his daughter, and saying he felt everyone deserved to know safety and peace, before continuing his speech by calling for the freedom of other countries and blasting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). ‌ View 4 Images Macklemore chanted pro-palestinian messages and sand a pro-Palestine song during the set (Image: AFP via Getty Images) 'I say, free America, free Cuba to the Congo to Sudan to Iran,' and all the people in America who have to live in fear because of this terrorist organization, ICE,' he said. He then performed the song 'Hind's Hall,' which was inspired by 2024 pro-Palestinian campus demonstrations, and refers to Hamilton Hall, the Columbia University building that was occupied by pro-Palestinian students in April 2024 and renamed in honor of a 6-year-old Palestinian girl killed in the Israel-Gaza war. As he performed the song, Macklemore also had footage from Gaza, pro-Palestinian protests, images of Israeli soldiers, and pro-Palestinian messages displayed on the stadium's screens.