Fox News host Jesse Watters on Tuesday appeared to question why rapper Macklemore was facing accusations of hate speech over pro-Palestine comments that saw him booted from singer Ed Sheeran’s tour — at least for a few brief moments before justifying the removal.

Sheeran publicly claimed it wasn’t his decision to oust the rapper, but that didn’t prevent every supporting act on the tour from dropping out in solidarity with Macklemore. Watters on “The Five” asked his panel plainly, “So what did he say that was bad?”

The Fox News host continued, “He said ‘Free Palestine?’ Is that all?”

While his co-hosts interjected in a drowned-out barrage claiming the rapper’s comments were more severe, Macklemore’s words were captured on video, in which the performer noted his statement “in no way is a criticism” of any Jewish person in the crowd.

“OK, well, all I heard was ‘Free Palestine,’” said Watters. “I don’t think that’s hate speech.”

Macklemore has been an outspoken critic of Israel’s genocide for years and used the first two of his scheduled tour stops to declare “Free Palestine,” with real-life footage of various protests and graphics displayed on the screen behind him during his performance.

New England Patriots and Gillette Stadium owner Robert Kraft confirmed Monday that he had Macklemore removed as an opening act at the venue later this month because he had shared rhetoric and imagery that he claimed was “hurtful to the Jewish community.”

Watters ultimately joined his co-hosts, Greg Gutfeld, Dana Perino and Emily Compagno, in justifying Kraft’s decision, saying, “If Bob Kraft doesn’t want you there … you’re gone! Who cares?”

Gutfeld said earlier in the show that Macklemore was “scum” for accusing Israel of genocide, despite the International Criminal Court issuing a warrant in 2024 for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for crimes against humanity in connection to the conflict.

He then said Palestinians “deserved” the death and devastation because of the Hamas attack on Oct. 7, which killed an estimated 1,200 people. The Palestinian death toll has since surpassed 73,000 people, more than half of whom were women and children.

“If Greg’s on my tour and he starts spouting off and annoying me? I’m giving him the boot,” joked Watters. “I don’t even care if it’s political. If he even looks at me the wrong way when I take him on tour, he’s gone. You know why he won’t? Because he won’t go on tour with me.”

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