Bardem supports petition to remove Pink from UNICEF — Jerusalem Post
Israeli outlet The Jerusalem Post reported that singer Pink has faced renewed calls for her removal from her role as a UNICEF ambassador. Spanish actor Javier Bardem shared an Instagram petition making this demand after Pink criticized rapper Macklemore for his statements and visuals supporting Palestine during Ed Sheeran’s tour.
The petition was launched by the group Swifties Against Genocide. At the time of publication, it had collected more than 192,000 signatures. Its authors said UNICEF ambassadors must meet the highest standards of neutrality and compassion, and that Palestinian children deserve support and empathy.
Pink’s reaction to Macklemore’s performance
Pink, whose real name is Alecia Beth Moore-Hart, explained her position in a lengthy Instagram post. She criticized Macklemore for using war footage on screens, dedicating a song to a movement he chose, and addressing Jews in the audience during his opening performance on Ed Sheeran’s tour.
According to The Jerusalem Post, Macklemore said from the stage that criticizing Israel and apartheid, and speaking out against genocide, is not criticism of Jews. Pink responded that he could not decide this for Jews. She noted that her position was prompted by the rapper’s statement, rather than his use of the “Free Palestine” slogan.
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The singer also said she has worked as a UNICEF ambassador for more than ten years and sympathizes with children affected by the war on both sides. At the same time, Pink stressed that she does not represent Israel or any government, and that Palestinians deserve a future that respects their humanity and aspirations. She added that she had not called for Macklemore to be removed from the tour or for his right to speak to be restricted.
UNICEF’s position and previous cases
UNICEF did not respond to a request from the Jewish Telegraphic Agency regarding the petition. Pink became a national UNICEF ambassador in the United States in 2015. That same year, she visited Haiti and met children and patients at medical centers who were experiencing the aftermath of the 2010 earthquake.
UN officials have previously stated that UNICEF goodwill ambassadors may express personal political views that do not necessarily reflect the organization’s position. At the same time, UNICEF ended its cooperation with tennis player Boris Becker in 1987 after he refused to promise not to return to apartheid-era South Africa.
