9Pink Faces Petition Calling for Her Removal as UNICEF Ambassador After Macklemore Controversy

Pink is facing a new wave of criticism as an online petition calls for the pop star to be removed from her role as a UNICEF ambassador following controversy surrounding her response to Macklemore’s recent pro-Palestine remarks.

The Change.org petition was created on September 16, 2026, and argues that Pink’s recent statements conflict with what its organizer views as UNICEF’s commitment to protecting children regardless of nationality or background. The petition represents the views of its creator and supporters; it does not amount to a decision by UNICEF.

As of the latest available information, UNICEF USA continues to identify Pink as an ambassador, a role she has held since 2015.

Why Is There a Petition Against Pink?

The dispute grew out of Macklemore’s appearance as a supporting act on Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

During his September 4 performance, Macklemore spoke in support of Palestinians and used the phrase “Free Palestine.” His comments generated both support and criticism and were followed by calls for his removal from subsequent tour dates.

Pink later reshared a social media post criticizing Macklemore’s performance. The move prompted significant backlash online, with some people interpreting her repost as opposition to his pro-Palestinian message.

Pink subsequently said that interpretation did not fully reflect her position.

The latest petition takes the controversy in a different direction by focusing on Pink’s longstanding relationship with UNICEF. Its creator argues that her response to Macklemore is incompatible with the humanitarian values expected of an ambassador and asks UNICEF to reconsider her position. Those assertions are the petition organizer’s claims, rather than findings by UNICEF.

Pink Clarifies Her Position After Backlash

Pink responded to the criticism with a lengthy statement explaining that the social media post she reshared contained language she had not written and that she would not necessarily have chosen herself.

She also made clear that she does not speak on behalf of Israel or any government.

Pink said Palestinians deserve a future that respects their humanity and aspirations, while emphasizing the importance of protecting innocent lives. She also explained that her criticism of Macklemore was connected to concerns she had about how his performance affected Jewish members of the audience.

The singer, who has spoken publicly about her Jewish heritage, described the backlash as particularly difficult and said she intended to continue expressing her views in her own words.

Her statement therefore presented a more nuanced position than the claim that she simply opposed Macklemore because he expressed support for Palestinians.

Pink Has Worked With UNICEF Since 2015

The petition specifically targets a humanitarian role Pink has held for more than a decade.

According to UNICEF USA, Pink became a UNICEF ambassador in 2015 and has helped raise awareness of health and nutrition programs benefiting children around the world.

That year, she traveled to Haiti to observe UNICEF-supported programs involving infant care, malnutrition treatment, education and childhood vaccinations.

UNICEF USA also says Pink continued supporting the organization through her 2023 and 2024 Summer Carnival tours, where merchandise areas included QR codes directing concertgoers toward UNICEF fundraising initiatives.

Pink referced that history herself while responding to the current controversy, saying she has spent roughly a decade working as a UNICEF ambassador for children affected by circumstances beyond their contro

At the time of publication, UNICEF USA’s official website still lists Pink as an ambassador.

Macklemore Controversy Expands Beyond Pink

The dispute has become part of a wider controversy surrounding Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour.

Macklemore was removed from his remaining support dates after his New Jersey performance. The tour promoter, Messina Touring Group, said venues on upcoming U.S. dates had indicated they would not permit concerts to proceed with Macklemore on the lineup, potentially jeopardizing shows and affecting large numbers of fans.

Macklemore has maintained that criticism of Israel should not be interpreted as criticism of Jewish people. He has characterized his message as one centered on peace, dignity and equality.

The controversy continued to widen after other supporting artists, including Finneas, Lukas Graham, Aaron Rowe and Beoga, withdrew from the tour. The Associated Press reported on September 17 that those departures followed Macklemore’s removal and reflected objections to what the artists viewed as restrictions on political expression.

Ed Sheeran has said the decision regarding Macklemore was made by the tour promoter rather than by him personall

What Happens to Pink’s UNICEF Role Now?

For now, the existence of the petition should not be confused with an official change in Pink’s status.

Change.org petitions allow members of the public to campaign for action, but the petition itself has no authority to remove Pink from UNICEF.

UNICEF USA’s official profile continues to describe Pink as an ambassador and highlights her work supporting programs for children.

The situation nevertheless shows how a controversy that began with comments made during a concert has expanded to involve several major musicians, an international humanitarian organization and a broader debate over political expression by artists.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are people petitioning to remove Pink as a UNICEF ambassador?

A Change.org petition created on September 16 argues that Pink’s response to the Macklemore controversy conflicts with the humanitarian principles its organizer believes UNICEF ambassadors should represent. These are claims made by the petition organizer, not an official UNICEF determination

Did UNICEF remove Pink as an ambassador?

There is no indication in the sources reviewed that UNICEF has removed her. UNICEF USA currently lists Pink as an ambassador and says she has served in the role since 2015.

What did Pink say about Palestinians?

In her statement addressing the backlash, Pink said Palestinians deserve a future that respects their humanity and aspirations and emphasized protecting innocent lives. She also said she does not speak for Israel or any government.

Variety Australia

What started the Pink and Macklemore controversy?

The dispute followed Macklemore’s pro-Palestine comments while opening for Ed Sheeran at MetLife Stadium. Pink later reshared a post criticizing his performance, prompting backlash and eventually a longer explanation of her position.