Zara Larsson praises Macklemore for speaking out on Palestine: ‘I respect that so much’
Larsson described it as powerful to see people come together to support an artist who is willing to speak honestly
Zara Larsson has praised Macklemore for continuing to speak publicly about Palestine despite the fallout from his comments and his removal from Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour.
Speaking to Billboard, the Swedish singer said she admired the support Macklemore had received from fans after taking a public stance on an issue he cares about.
“I respect that so much,” Larsson said, describing it as powerful to see people come together to support an artist who is willing to speak honestly about issues that matter to them. She added that artists and their audiences can “come together and make a difference”.
Macklemore was removed from the remaining US dates of Sheeran’s tour after publicly expressing support for Palestinians. He had spoken about Gaza and the West Bank during a performance at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium and performed his song Hind’s Hall, which addresses the war in Gaza. Sheeran has said the decision to remove Macklemore was made by the tour promoter rather than by him.
Larsson also reflected on her own experience of receiving support after speaking publicly about issues she believes in. “I just try to be a good person,” she told Billboard, adding that she believes most people are fundamentally good.
The singer has previously spoken publicly in support of Palestine and recently criticised the White House after her song Midnight Sun was used in a social media video showing immigration arrests. Her comments about Macklemore come as several musicians have publicly supported him following his departure from Sheeran’s tour.
