Pink responds to criticism after commenting on Macklemore’s remarks about the anti-Israel concert.

Pink has intensified her criticism of Macklemore after he made pro-Palestinian remarks during a concert.

On September 4, Macklemore performed as the opening act for Ed Sheeran at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. During his set, he took the opportunity to sing his anti-Israel track, “Hind’s Hall,” while repeatedly calling out “Free Palestine.” Behind him, a slideshow displayed footage from the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

His performance didn’t sit well with some fans, including an Instagram account named “Stop Antisemitism,” which posted a video condemning Macklemore’s actions, labeling them as “awful.”

Pink shared that video on her Instagram story, which led to a new wave of criticism directed at her, with some interpreting her actions as support for Israel.

At first, Pink kept her thoughts to herself, but on September 11, she took to Instagram to express herself in a heartfelt statement.

“I’ve been quiet for a week— which isn’t typical for me. So here’s what I have to say,” she began.

She clarified that while she shared the video criticizing Macklemore, it included sentiments that didn’t fully represent her views, saying, “I wouldn’t have chosen all of them.” She emphasized that a repost shouldn’t be interpreted as a full endorsement or a statement of her beliefs, adding, “I’d rather be disagreed with for what I actually said than hated for what anybody else wrote.”

“I am Jewish,” she affirmed. “That’s not something I picked. I’ve never concealed it. This week, many decided what I believe without asking, assuming that a repost and the word ‘Jew’ alone was sufficient. But I want to clarify … myself.”

“I don’t speak for Israel or any government. I never have. My belief, which I shared in October 2023, still stands: Hamas is a terrorist group. Palestinians deserve a future that recognizes their humanity and aspirations. Protecting innocent lives should always come first, and nobody should celebrate the death of a child—any child.”

Pink shared her experiences with UNICEF, stating that she had interacted with children from both sides of the conflict. She expressed that she wouldn’t try to unpack the complexities of war in an Instagram caption, nor would she mimic slogans just to gain followers.

She continued by explaining that her response was primarily about Macklemore. Recalling his performance of “Same Love” at the 2014 Grammys, she remembered how supportive she felt of his message. But shortly after, he controversially donned a hooked nose and a bowl cut, referring to it as a “random costume.”

“Every Jew I know recognized exactly what that was. It felt like a guest list where we weren’t invited. He apologized, and I let it slide, which is what we often do. However, a few nights ago, he stood in front of a huge audience, displaying violent images from a conflict, dedicating a song to his chosen cause, and then told us Jews that it wasn’t concerning us.”

“You don’t get to decide that for us,” she added.

“That’s what prompted my repost,” she clarified. “It wasn’t about ‘Free Palestine’ or anyone’s right to express that. I’ve never called for another artist to be silenced, and I’m not doing so now. I don’t seek anyone to be fired or demand refunds. What I do need is to express, as a Jewish mother, that ‘this scares me, and it frightens those I care about,’ without being dismissed as propaganda or being labeled as complicit in genocide just because I noticed.”

Pink noted that she has always fought for her beliefs, even when it drew criticism, referring to her protest song “Dear Mr. President,” written in reaction to the Iraq War in 2006.

“I’ve always stood up for others’ rights throughout my career, fully aware of the costs,” she remarked. “Now I’m standing up for my community, and honestly, it’s lonelier than I anticipated. But I will continue to do it.”

She observed a shift in the tone of the conversations surrounding these issues, pointing out the increasing antisemitism in comments directed at her. “I see phrases like ‘From the river to the sea’ and ‘Zionist’ being used derogatorily by people who haven’t bothered to understand my beliefs because I hadn’t shared them yet. I wasn’t asked; I was told. I don’t believe most harbor hatred for Jews. I think they’ve absorbed a narrative where a Jew who won’t apologize for their existence must be seen as the villain.”

While she can handle being labeled negatively, she asserted, “I won’t accept it quietly, and I won’t raise my kids to do so.”

Pink concluded her message to those enraged by her viewpoint, stating, “You don’t have to agree with me— that’s our unspoken understanding for twenty-five years, and it remains unchanged. You can disagree with Israeli policies while still wanting the Jewish family nearby to be safe at a concert. That’s all I ask from anyone.”

To anyone feeling frightened—Jewish, Muslim, Palestinian, Israeli, or just weary of everything—she said, “I see you. If anyone wants to understand my perspective, just ask. I’m easy to find and will voice my thoughts in my own way.”

She wrapped up her post by recognizing the anniversary of 9/11 along with Rosh Hashanah, saying, “Now I’m off to prepare dinner for my kids, light some candles, and enjoy dipping apples in honey while pouring a glass of wine. That’s my custom, and it’s also a Jewish tradition. Shana tova.”

After Macklemore faced backlash for his performance, he posted a video on Instagram addressing the stage incident, stating that one reason he chose to tour with Sheeran was to have the chance to express “Free Palestine” to a large audience.

“Desiring equality for all people should never be a topic of controversy,” he wrote in his caption.