Macklemore has addressed the backlash stemming from his recent comment, “fuck America,” at the benefit festival Palestine Will Live Forever. In a social media post, he referred to his remark as a “slip up” while expressing his steadfast support for Palestine. He urged Americans to “rise and recognize our collective power rather than succumb to our own apathy,” emphasizing that the festival was “rooted in peace, love, and solidarity” and should not be overshadowed by the controversial phrase.
On September 24, following the incident, Macklemore was removed from the inaugural Neon City Festival, merely days after being announced as a headliner. The festival organizers cited “unforeseen circumstances,” coinciding with statements from two Seattle sports franchises linked to Macklemore, which expressed concerns over his increasingly polarizing remarks. A spokesperson from the Seattle Mariners added that they stand by the belief that both sports and music should foster unity, not division.
In his statement, Macklemore reflected on the emotional turmoil caused by recent events, saying:
“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 last 11.5 months of witnessing a genocide unfold in front of us has been excruciating on a spiritual, emotional, and human level. I have been in utter disbelief with how our government is responding at this crucial moment. I don’t think I’m alone.
I see dismembered children in Gaza being pulled from rubble, killed by U.S.-manufactured bombs. I see my own children in their lifeless bodies. I don’t think I’m alone. I am outraged by how we lack funding for healthcare, affordable housing, and education in America, yet we send billions to Israel to commit internationally recognized war crimes. I don’t think I’m alone.
Yet, I am inspired by the millions taking to the streets globally, protesting against the violence perpetrated by Netanyahu’s regime. I have been moved by those in the Jewish community who have bravely shown solidarity, participating in demonstrations holding signs stating, ‘not in our name’ and ‘never again means never again for everyone.’ I don’t think I’m alone.”
The Palestine Will Live Forever event supported several aid organizations, including Pious Projects, HEAL Palestine, and the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund. Macklemore’s appearance was a continuation of his advocacy, following his pro-Palestine tracks “Hind’s Hall” and “Hind’s Hall 2,” featuring contributions from Palestinian American artists and a youth choir from Los Angeles.
