Pop star Pink issued a statement Friday addressing backlash after she criticized rapper Macklemore for making pro-Palestinian concert remarks in New Jersey.
The controversy began after Macklemore called to free Palestine and accused Israel of genocide while opening for Ed Sheeran at MetLife Stadium.
Pink reshared a video criticizing the show, which prompted online commenters to accuse the singer of taking a political stance.
Breaking her weeklong silence on social media, the recording artist explained how her Jewish heritage informed her public reaction.
Addressing her personal background directly, Pink wrote, “I was born a Jew.”
Clarifying her position on the conflict, she stated that Hamas is a terrorist organization while advocating for innocent civilians.
Emphasizing human rights for all people, she asserted, “Palestinians deserve a future that honors their humanity and their aspirations.”
Recalling a 2014 concert incident where Macklemore wore a stereotypical costume, she noted long-standing concerns regarding his behavior.
Explaining how the stadium speech affected her, she wrote, “that scared me, and it scared people I love.”
Confirming she does not want her peer removed from the tour, she added, “I don’t need anyone fired.”
Defending his performance on social media, Macklemore maintained that he joined the tour to reach a broad audience.