Western artists step up their support for Palestine

The issue of Palestine is no longer represented in the Western arts scene by marginal voices or isolated individual positions. As more artists and celebrities express solidarity with the Palestinian people, stages, concerts and festivals have become platforms for chants of “Free Palestine”, while some artists have faced pressure and attempts to exclude or silence them.

In the latest such move, American rapper Chuck D voiced direct support for Palestine during a performance, referring to the controversy that followed American rapper Macklemore’s removal from British star Ed Sheeran’s tour over his pro-Palestinian views.

“This concert is not promoted by Ed Sheeran’s promoters. Free Palestine, free Haiti, and please free closed minds,” Chuck D told the audience.

He ended his remarks by directly criticising US President Donald Trump before the band continued its performance.

Chuck D’s comments came weeks after a controversy during Sheeran’s US tour, when several venues reportedly refused to host Macklemore after he chanted “Free Palestine” and spoke about Gaza during concerts in New Jersey. He was subsequently removed from the rest of the tour.