“Saturday Night Live” comedian Michael Che mocked rapper Macklemore during “Weekend Update” on Saturday night in New York City over his newly announced “Free Palestine Tour,” which came after the rapper was dropped from Ed Sheeran’s U.S. stadium tour following his pro-Palestinian performances earlier this month.
Che set up the joke by noting Macklemore’s removal from Sheeran’s tour before turning to the rapper’s new slate of concerts.
“Rapper Macklemore, who was dropped as the opening act for Ed Sheeran, announced that he is launching a Free Palestine tour,” Che said.
“But haven’t the Palestinian people been through enough?” he asked.
Christian Toto, an award-winning film critic, journalist and founder of Hollywood in Toto, told Fox News Digital that celebrity commentary about the Israel-Palestinian conflict often follows what he described as a socially rewarded position within the entertainment industry.
“There is only one acceptable answer for celebrities when it comes to the ongoing Israel-Palestinian conflict. Say ‘Free Palestine’ and nothing else. It’s the new BLM, a contentious issue where celebrities know they’ll gain approval within their circle by repeating that mantra. They also understand they won’t be pressured to defend their point of view by the vast majority of entertainment reporters. It’s a safe space for them,” Toto said.
“Journalists now know they can pepper stars with similar questions and get a similar response (and lots of clicks for their interviews),” he continued.
Macklemore announced the “Free Palestine Tour” on Thursday, with shows scheduled for Dublin on Oct. 26, Paris on Oct. 29 and London on Oct. 30. Additional performers and U.S. dates were expected to be announced later, while proceeds will benefit organizations supporting Palestinians, according to the rapper.
In announcing the tour, Macklemore argued that artists could no longer remain outside the debate over the war in Gaza.
“It’s 2026. Being apolitical during a genocide doesn’t work anymore,” Macklemore said. “People are asking artists to show up, educate themselves and be in community. To use the stage for more than entertainment. To push back when the call for a Free Palestine is met with attempts to silence it.”
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The announcement followed weeks of controversy after Macklemore repeatedly called to “Free Palestine” and performed his protest song “Hind’s Hall” while opening for Sheeran at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on Sept. 4 and 5.
The Messina Touring Group said multiple upcoming venues would not permit concerts to take place with Macklemore on the lineup.
Sheeran later stressed that he was not personally responsible for removing Macklemore and said he had attempted to resolve the dispute before the venues and promoter made their decision.
Fox News Digital reported that Finneas, Lukas Graham, Aaron Rowe and Beoga subsequently withdrew from Sheeran’s tour in solidarity with Macklemore.
“Macklemore coming off tour was the promoter’s decision, it was not mine,” Sheeran said.
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Macklemore said he would donate the $1 million he earned from Sheeran’s tour to organizations providing aid to Palestinians. Sheeran and New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft also announced plans for $2 million contributions toward humanitarian relief in the region.
When asked whether increasingly political performances risk turning entertainment into a litmus test for performers and audiences, Toto said he believes most musicians remain cautious about alienating concertgoers.
“Most artists know better than to alienate audiences with their political views. The Springsteens, Morellos and Macklemores remain the exception. Concert ticket prices are too high for most bands to get on their soapbox and risk dooming repeat business,” Toto told Fox News Digital. “Actors don’t make the connection between their divisive words and audience reaction. They simply want to appease their fellow actors and make nice with potential directors and casting directors. So they read from the approved script.”
Fox News Digital reached out to Kraft, Sheeran and Macklemore for comment, but did not immediately receive a response.
