Grammy Award-winning artist Pink addressed her critics in a lengthy Instagram statement on Friday, breaking a week of silence following heavy online criticism. The controversy erupted after she reshared a post from StopAntisemitism on Instagram that slammed rapper Macklemore and called for his removal as an opening act on Ed Sheeran’s current US tour.
Pink Breaks Silence After Repost Sparked Backlash
Macklemore, whose real name is Benjamin Hammond Haggerty, drew intense scrutiny during his Sept. 4 and 5 performances at MetLife Stadium. Wearing a keffiyeh before a crowd of 80,000 people, the rapper performed his song “Hind’s Hall” while footage from the war in Gaza played on the screens behind him. He called to “Free Palestine” and accused Israel of committing genocide.
Pink acknowledged that her decision to reshare the critical post without adding her own words created confusion among her fan base. A repost isn’t a statement, and a meme isn’t a spine,
she wrote, adding that she should have spoken plainly from the start.
Defending Jewish Identity and Calling Out Antisemitism
In her statement, Pink addressed her heritage directly, explaining that her reaction stemmed from deep personal fear as a Jewish mother seeing concertgoers targeted. I was born a Jew,
the singer wrote in a post detailed by Staten Island Live. I didn’t pick it, and I’ve never hidden it. And this week a whole lot of people decided what I believe without asking me, without checking a single thing I’ve ever said or done, because a repost and the word ‘Jew’ were apparently enough to fill in the rest. But let me fill it in… myself.
The pop megastar pointed to what she viewed as Macklemore’s history of antisemitic actions. She recalled supporting him when he performed “Same Love” at the 2014 Grammys, but noted an incident four months later where the rapper wore a costume featuring a hooked nose and a black beard.
Pink stressed that her objection was directed at Macklemore himself rather than the slogan “Free Palestine” itself. She criticized the rapper for standing in front of a stadium filled with families and projecting violent war imagery while addressing the crowd.
“What I need is to be able to say, as a Jewish mom, ‘that scared me, and it scared people I love,’ without being told our fear is just propaganda, and without being told I’m somehow cool with genocide because I noticed?”
Pink, Pop Singer
Clarifying Political Views on Israel, Hamas, and Gaza
To clear up speculation regarding her political beliefs, Pink reiterated stance points she previously expressed. Of course I don’t speak for Israel, or for any government. I never have,
she stated. What I said in October 2023 is still exactly what I believe: Hamas is a terrorist organization. Palestinians deserve a future that honors their humanity and their aspirations. Protecting innocent life comes first, everywhere, and nobody should ever celebrate the death of a child. Anybody’s child.
The singer also took issue with the hostile rhetoric flooding her social media comment sections. She noted how terms like “Zionist” were being thrown around as insults by individuals unfamiliar with her actual platform. She emphasized that citizens do not need to support every action of the Israeli government to feel concerned for the safety of Jewish families attending public concerts.
Macklemore previously defended his tour statements, maintaining that his advocacy focused entirely on peace and human rights. To all of my Jewish brothers and sisters: criticism of Israel, criticism of apartheid, being against genocide in no way is a criticism of you,
the rapper stated in remarks covered by 7NEWS. My message is for peace; love for all human beings to be treated with dignity, respect, and equality.
Activism History and Moving Forward
Despite the severe isolation she reported feeling during the public feud, Pink made it clear she did not intend to silence other artists or seek anyone’s dismissal from the tour. I have never asked for another artist to be silenced and I’m not asking now. I don’t need anyone fired, and I don’t need a refund,
she wrote.
Highlighting her long career of political activism—including her 2006 protest song Dear Mr. President
which targeted the Iraq War—she affirmed her intention to keep speaking out. As the controversy coincided with both the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks and the beginning of Rosh Hashanah, she concluded by offering support to anyone feeling frightened during a tense cultural week.