Javier Bardem has shared a petition calling for Pink to be removed as UNICEF ambassador, bringing renewed attention to a dispute over the singer's response to criticism of Macklemore's performance during Ed Sheeran's tour.
The Spanish actor, 57, shared multiple posts about the campaign with his Instagram followers on 21 September, encouraging support for the petition.
The Change.org petition, titled 'Remove Pink as a UNICEF Ambassador', was created on 11 September and has attracted more than 140,000 verified signatures, according to its page. The number continues to change as people sign.
The petition followed criticism of Pink after she reposted a StopAntisemitism Instagram post about Macklemore's performance.
Macklemore's 4 September performance at New Jersey's MetLife Stadium drew criticism over his pro-Palestinian remarks, including his call for 'Free Palestine', as well as his performance of 'Hind's Hall' and the use of pro-Palestinian imagery. He also performed at the stadium on 5 September.
Pink subsequently became part of the dispute on 6 September after reposting a StopAntisemitism post criticising Macklemore's performance and its accompanying message.
Pink's original repost did not include an explanation from the singer. She later addressed the criticism, saying the repost was not prompted by the phrase 'Free Palestine' or anyone's right to say it, while explaining her wider concerns about Macklemore's performance.
She also said Palestinians deserve a future that honours their humanity and aspirations, while rejecting the suggestion that she had sought to silence another artist.
Bardem's posts have now brought fresh attention to the petition and the wider debate over the role of celebrities representing humanitarian organisations.
Javier Bardem shares a call on Story to remove Pink from her position as a UNICEF ambassador
by u/chadwickave in Fauxmoi
Bardem Gives Removal Campaign Fresh Attention
Bardem shared the petition with his Instagram followers but did not, in the posts reported, provide a lengthy explanation of his reasons for supporting the campaign.
The petition organisers argue that UNICEF ambassadors should advocate for children regardless of nationality or heritage. They contend that Pink's public comments are incompatible with the principles they believe should guide someone representing the children's organisation.
UNICEF USA identifies Pink as a UNICEF Ambassador and says she has held the role since 2015.
The petition's arguments about her suitability for the role are campaign claims, rather than an official finding by UNICEF that she breached its policies.
Macklemore had been performing as an opening act on Ed Sheeran's Loop Tour. Sheeran later said that removing Macklemore from the remaining US dates was the promoter's decision, after venues indicated they would not allow shows to proceed with him on the lineup.
Pink Defends Her Position as Debate Continues
Pink later addressed the criticism in a lengthy statement, rejecting the suggestion that she had sought to silence Macklemore.
'I never asked for another artist to be silenced and I am not asking for that now,' she wrote.
She also said Palestinians deserve a future that honours their humanity and aspirations, while making clear that she does not speak for Israel or any government.
Pink said Hamas is a terrorist organisation and added: 'I was born a Jew.'
Addressing her UNICEF work, she referred to having spent a decade as an ambassador and said she had mourned children affected by the conflict 'on both sides of that fence'.
Her response has not ended the debate, with the petition continuing to attract signatures and Bardem's posts bringing renewed attention to the campaign.
For now, Bardem has publicly shared the campaign seeking Pink's removal, while the petition itself has not resulted in a confirmed change to her UNICEF role.
No UNICEF announcement confirming that Pink has been removed or suspended because of the controversy has been identified in the sources reviewed.
