American rapper McLemore, whose real name is Benjamin Haggerty, has transformed a serious conflict with Ed Sheeran into a new platform to support Palestinians. After being dropped from Sheeran's American tour, he announced a series of charity concerts.
Haggerty announced his 'Free Palestine Tour' on Thursday, stating that proceeds from the performances will be directed to organizations supporting Palestinians. He has scheduled three shows in Paris, Dublin, and London. This announcement followed several days after the rapper was removed from the American leg of Sheeran's 'Loop' tour due to his open support for Palestinians and criticism of Israeli actions in Gaza.
Haggerty has repeatedly labeled Israel's campaign in Gaza as genocide and has made solidarity with Palestinians a central part of his public activities. His 2024 protest song 'Hind’s Hall,' named after Hind Rajab, a young Palestinian girl killed in Gaza, has become a vivid expression of his support.
During a performance at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on September 4th, Haggerty addressed the audience with a message that Palestinians in Gaza and the occupied West Bank are not forgotten. He also performed 'Hind’s Hall,' accompanying the performance with images of destruction in Gaza.
These statements drew negative reactions from some Jewish human rights groups and calls for his removal from Sheeran's tour. The Israeli-American Council initiated a petition demanding his removal, and billionaire Robert Kraft, owner of Gillette Stadium, later stated that the venue would not host Haggerty because of what he described as antisemitic rhetoric and imagery. Haggerty rejected the accusations of antisemitism.
He emphasized that what happened to him goes beyond one artist or one stage, noting that everyone should pay attention when 'the class of billionaires can decide which voices are allowed to be heard on stage and which are too dangerous.'
Sheeran subsequently stated that the decision to exclude Haggerty was made by the tour promoter after venues refused to host him. This scandal also led several other artists to withdraw from the tour. Sheeran later publicly commented on Gaza, calling the situation 'catastrophic' and 'unjustified.'
However, for Haggerty, this controversy has taken on a broader scope. He has announced upcoming performances in Dublin, Paris, and London, and is awaiting dates in the US. Other artists publicly supporting the Palestinian cause are expected to join him.
This tour continues amid Haggerty's ongoing use of his music and public status to defend the rights of Palestinians. Previously, he pledged to direct income from his music and tours to Palestinian humanitarian organizations, including groups providing medical aid, food, and emergency support.
Humanitarian organizations and UN experts use the term 'genocide' to describe Israel's conduct and its consequences for Palestinians, noting widespread civilian casualties, displacement, and destruction in Gaza. Israel rejects the accusations of committing genocide, asserting that its military campaign is aimed at Hamas, not the Palestinian population.