Skater rapper Macklemore is facing backlash after using his opening set for Ed Sheeran at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium to speak about Palestine and perform his track “Hind’s Hall.”
The 43 year old told the crowd that people in Gaza and the occupied West Bank had not been forgotten before calling for a free Palestine.
Footage connected to Gaza was also shown during the performance.
The Israeli American Council later launched a petition calling for Macklemore to be removed from the rest of Sheeran’s Loop Tour. Other musicians, including P!NK and Boy George, also criticized his comments, while artists such as KNEECAP voiced support for him.
For skaters, Macklemore’s connection to Palestine hits differently.
He has long been part of skate culture, and skateboarding itself has a strong presence in Gaza through the Gaza Skate Team.
READ MORE: Gaza Skate Team’s Children Killed, Skateboards Left Behind as Team Honors Those Erased by War
Gaza Skate Team has helped young people skate in the Gaza Strip, building ramps and running skate sessions despite difficult conditions.
The crew has also worked with nonprofits to provide boards, helmets and other equipment to local skaters.
Macklemore later defended his comments on social media, writing that wanting all people to be treated equally should not be controversial.
For the skateboarding community, the story also brings attention to skaters in Gaza who have continued finding ways to ride and build a scene despite the conditions around them.
Macklemore Posted:
"Wanting all humans to be treated equal should never be controversial."