Macklemore addressed the controversy surrounding his comment made while performing at a benefit concert 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 event.
In a lengthy statement posted to Instagram, Macklemore wrote, “My thoughts and feelings are not always expressed perfectly or politely. Sometimes I slip up and get caught in the moment. Saturday night was one of those times. … Unfortunately, the historic event in my hometown that brought thousands of people together to raise awareness and money for the people of Palestine has become overshadowed by two words.”
The artist expressed his frustration with the United State’s involvement in the Israel-Hamas war and said “watching a genocide unfold in front of us has been excruciating on a spiritual, emotional and human level.” He said he has been “disillusioned and disheartened as our government has continued to unequivocally fund and support Israel’s on-going violence against the people of Palestine.”
In May, Macklemore released “Hind’s Hall,” a protest track and prequel to “Hind’s Hall 2” supporting pro-Palestinian protesters at 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, releasing a statement last October and speaking at a demonstration in Washington, D.C., the following month.
Elsewhere in his statement Wednesday, Macklemore said he has been “mobilized by the millions of people around the world taking to the streets to protest on behalf of all those that have been murdered by Netanyahu’s regime.” He said he has “found hope in our young people, who have been willing to risk their degrees by participating in college encampments to demand a ceasefire,” and often added to his sentiments: “I don’t think I’m alone.”
Macklemore shared that he has “lost endorsements, I’ve lost shows, I’ve lost business ties,” and said he remains “unwavering” in his “support for a Free Palestine.” He concluded, “My intent always comes back to the pursuit of peace, love, equality and liberation for all. And that isn’t radical, it’s human. I don’t think I’m alone.”
Separately on Wednesday, it was announced that Macklemore would no longer be performing at Las Vegas’ Neon City Festival “due to unforeseen circumstances.” It’s unclear whether the aforementioned statements he made on Wednesday via Instagram are related.
Neither Macklemore nor the festival provided a specific reason for why the rapper will no longer be performing at the November festival and reps for the fest and Macklemore did not immediately return Rolling Stone‘s requests for comment regarding the festival situation.