US singer Pink has addressed the backlash she faced after publicly supporting rapper Macklemore’s comments advocating for Palestine amid the ongoing conflict with Israel. The Grammy-winning artist reaffirmed her commitment to speaking out on the issue despite feeling hurt by the response.

Macklemore, 43, made remarks during his opening performance for Ed Sheeran at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey last week, expressing solidarity with people living in Gaza and the West Bank and stating that they had not been forgotten. His statement sparked immediate controversy, leading to a petition calling for his removal from the remaining dates of the tour.

Pink, 47, reposted criticism of Macklemore’s speech on her Instagram page, which drew significant attention given her Jewish background. Initially, she did not add her own commentary, but on Friday she shared a lengthy personal essay addressing the criticism directed at her. In the statement, she emphasized her Jewish identity, writing that she was born Jewish and has never concealed it. She expressed disappointment that many people assumed they understood her beliefs based solely on her repost and her heritage, without engaging with her own words or actions.

Pink also highlighted the distinction between opposing the actions of Israel’s government and the treatment of Jewish individuals. She remarked that one can disagree with government policies while still rejecting threats or hostility toward Jewish people, using the example of the “Jewish family two rows down from you” at a concert.

The controversy illustrates the complexities public figures face when commenting on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, where expressions of solidarity can provoke strong reactions from different communities. Pink’s response underscores ongoing debates about freedom of speech, identity, and the limits of public discourse on sensitive geopolitical issues.