Macklemore has addressed the controversy surrounding his comments he made while performing at a charity event called “Palestine Will Live Forever.” Over the weekend, the rapper performed his pro-Palestine song “Hind’s Hall 2” in Seattle, Washington, and made headlines for saying “Fuck America” during the concert.
In a lengthy statement posted to Instagram, Macklemore wrote: “My thoughts and feelings aren’t always expressed perfectly or politely. Sometimes I slip up and fall into the trap. Saturday night was one of those times… Unfortunately, a historic event in my hometown that brought together thousands of people to raise awareness and money for the people of Palestine was overshadowed by two words.”
The artist expressed his frustration with the United States’ involvement in the war between Israel and Hamas, saying, “Watching genocide unfold before our eyes is painful on a spiritual, emotional, and human level.” He said he was “deeply disappointed and saddened that our government has continued to unequivocally fund and support Israel’s ongoing violence against the people of Palestine.”
In May, Macklemore released “Hind's Hall,” a protest song prequel to “Hind's Hall 2,” in support of pro-Palestinian protesters on college campuses across the country and calling for an end to Israel's war in Gaza. At the time, he announced that he would donate all proceeds to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees.
Macklemore has been an outspoken opponent of the war in Gaza, issuing a statement last October and speaking at a rally in Washington, D.C., the following month.
Elsewhere in his statement Wednesday, McLemore said he was “mobilized by millions of people around the world who took to the streets to protest on behalf of all those murdered by the Netanyahu regime.” He said he “found hope in our young people, who were willing to risk their degrees by participating in college camps to demand a ceasefire,” often adding to his sentiments: “I don’t think I’m alone.”
Macklemore stated that he had “lost endorsements, lost shows, lost business relationships,” and said he remained “steadfast” in his “support for a free Palestine.” He concluded by saying, “My intention has always been to strive for peace, love, equality, and liberation for all. This is not radical, this is human. I don’t think I’m alone.”
On Wednesday, it was separately announced that Macklemore would no longer be performing at the Neon City Festival in Las Vegas “due to unforeseen circumstances.” It is unclear if the above statements he made on Instagram on Wednesday are related.
Neither Macklemore nor the festival have given a specific reason for the rapper not performing at the November festival, and festival representatives and Macklemore did not immediately return. Rolling StoneRequests for comment on the status of the festival.
