New york: The removal of US rapper Macklemore from Ed Sheeran's stadium tour has brought renewed attention to the professional risks faced by artists and athletes who publicly support Palestinians or criticize Israel's war in Gaza.
According to Anadolu Agency, for some public figures, speaking out for Palestinian rights has come with significant professional consequences-from canceled performances and lost advertising deals to dismissal from film productions, termination of employment, and, in the case of athletes, financial penalties.
Macklemore, for instance, was removed from the remaining eight dates on the US leg of Sheeran's Loop Tour after speaking about Gaza and the occupied West Bank during two concerts at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Sept. 4 and 5. The Grammy-winning rapper called for a "free Palestine" and performed Hind's Hall, his protest song named after Hind Rajab, a five-year-old Palestinian girl killed by Israeli forces in Gaza in January 2024. Following his removal, Macklemore pledged his $1 million in net earnings from the tour to six organizations providing humanitarian assistance to Palestinians.
Similarly, Mexican actor Melissa Barrera was dismissed from the film Scream VII in November 2023 after posting and resharing messages about Israel's war on Gaza, genocide, and ethnic cleansing. Her dismissal removed Barrera from a franchise in which she had become one of the principal stars, and she later described the following months as the most difficult period of her life.
In another case, Oscar-winning actor Susan Sarandon said at the Venice Film Festival in September 2026 that film roles had recently been taken away from her because of her political views. Sarandon was dropped by United Talent Agency in November 2023 following remarks she made during a pro-Palestinian rally in New York.
American model Bella Hadid also faced repercussions. In July 2024, Adidas removed Hadid from a retro shoe campaign after Israel criticized her inclusion. Despite an apology from Adidas, the company did not reverse its decision, leading to calls for a boycott on social media. Hadid has expressed that her pro-Palestine advocacy has cost her both professional relationships and friendships.
Swedish pop singer Zara Larsson has reported losing brand partnerships and award-show appearances due to her public support for Palestine. In April 2026, Larsson shared with the Guardian that she had lost industry opportunities because of her political stances.
In the sports world, Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair was fined by the NFL for displaying 'Hind Rajab' on his eye black during a game. The penalty drew support from NBA star Kyrie Irving, who offered to cover the fine.
Dutch footballer Anwar El Ghazi was dismissed by German club Mainz 05 in 2023 after publishing pro-Palestinian posts on social media. El Ghazi challenged the decision in court and won, with the ruling in his favor becoming legally binding in 2026.
Lastly, Grammy-nominated R and B singer Kehlani faced professional setbacks in 2025 after making public statements supporting Palestinians. Planned performances at Cornell University and New York's Central Park were canceled, demonstrating the widespread repercussions for public figures taking a stand on this issue.