Newsletters
A public petition calling for American singer Pink's removal from her role as a UNICEF ambassador has gathered more than 60,000 verified signatures after she criticized Macklemore's pro-Palestinian comments during Ed Sheeran's U.S. tour.
The petition, launched on Change.org on Sept. 11, asks UNICEF to review Pink's position, arguing that her recent remarks about supporters of Palestinian rights conflict with the humanitarian principles associated with the organization.
UNICEF, the United Nations agency focused on protecting children's rights and welfare, works with public figures serving as ambassadors to raise awareness of humanitarian issues.
Organizers behind the campaign said UNICEF ambassadors should stand up for children regardless of nationality or political affiliation, while accusing Pink of undermining those principles through her public comments.
They also called on UNICEF to uphold what they described as strict humanitarian neutrality and ensure that its ambassadors advocate for all children affected by conflict.
The dispute followed Macklemore's appearances as an opening act for Ed Sheeran at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, where the rapper voiced support for Palestinians.
During the performances, Macklemore wore a keffiyeh, a traditional Middle Eastern headscarf that has also become associated with Palestinian identity, and performed his pro-Palestinian song "Hind's Hall" while images from Gaza appeared on screens.
He also told the audience that people in Gaza and the occupied West Bank had not been forgotten.
Macklemore was later dropped from the remaining U.S. dates of Sheeran's tour.
Sheeran said the decision had been made by the tour's promoters after venue owners threatened to cancel concerts. He added that he had tried to work out a solution, while saying he would not publicly set out his views on Israel and Palestine.
Sheeran has since faced backlash over the change to the tour lineup.
Set as preferred source
Set as preferred source
1 min read
1 min read
