Macklemore clarifies controversial remark made at pro-Palestine concert

After being dropped from a Las Vegas festival over an anti-America remark, Grammy award-winning rapper Macklemore released a lengthy statement apologizing for his words while doubling down on his support for Palestine.
Macklemore, whose real name is Benjamin Hammond Haggerty, was removed from the performance lineup for the inaugural Neon City Festival in Las Vegas after he said “(expletive) America” on Saturday during the “Palestine Will Live Forever” event in his hometown of Seattle.
“My thoughts and feelings are not always expressed perfectly or politely,” Macklemore’s statement, which he posted to his Instagram account on Wednesday, says. “Sometimes I slip up and get caught in the moment. Saturday night was one of those times. I strive to always lead with love in an effort to bring people together and never to create more division.
“The ‘Palestine Will Live Forever’ festival I performed at was rooted in peace, love and solidarity. 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. I wish I had been in a better place with my grief and anger. But the truth is I’m not ok. I haven’t been.”
The “Can’t Hold Us” rapper has been an avid supporter of Palestine and has criticized U.S. leaders for the country’s support of Israel. His recent Instagram post does not shy away from his thoughts on the Israeli–Palestinian conflict.
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“The last 11.5 months of watching genocide unfold in front of us has been excruciating on a spiritual, emotional and human level,” the Instagram post continued. “I have been in utter disbelief with how our government is showing up at this moment in history. I don’t think I’m alone.”
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Macklemore recently collaborated with Palestinian artists and released a follow-up to his “Hinds Hall” song titled “Hinds Hall 2.” The track features Palestinian-American artists Anees and Amer Zahr, Gaza-born rapper MC Abdul, and the LA Palestinian Kids Choir.
“Hey Kamala, I don’t know if you’re listening,” Macklemore says in the song. “But stop sending money and weapons or you ain’t winning Michigan/We uncommitted, and (expletive) no we ain’t switching positions.”
The 41-year-old rapper wrote in his Instagram post on Thursday that he watches “Democrats sign bills to ban semi-automatic assault rifles after another horrific school shooting takes place, then turn around and use the same ink to send those same weapons off to Israel.”
Macklemore’s statement gives kudos to “our young people” who have “been willing to risk their degrees by participating in college encampments to demand a ceasefire.”
“I have been revitalized by their hearts guiding them towards justice and peace, risking their future diplomas,” the rapper wrote. “But some days the darkness outshines the light, and it’s hard to see the path ahead to justice. I get lost in what our world has become.”
Regarding his recent remark, Macklemore said in the statement that the word “(expletive)” should not get misconstrued for the word “hate.”
“It’s different to be angry than to disown,” the rapper wrote. “My ‘(expletive)’ – my anger – is rooted not in distain (sic) for where I was born but in anguish for how we can collectively allow this to continue. It is not directed at the people that make up our country, but towards our government who refuse to listen to us.”
Macklemore acknowledges that he has “slipped in front of the world before.”
“I’m sure I’ll do it again,” his statement continues. “But they will not silence my voice, and they will not close my heart. I’ve lost endorsements, I’ve lost shows, I’ve lost business ties. I am still here, unwavering in my support for a Free Palestine. I care about humanity and this earth too much to turn back now.”
Jonathan Limehouse covers breaking and trending news for USA TODAY. Reach him at [email protected].