Current:Home > NewsMacklemore clarifies remark made at pro-Palestine concert in Seattle: 'Sometimes I slip up' -InvestTomorrow
Macklemore clarifies remark made at pro-Palestine concert in Seattle: 'Sometimes I slip up'
View
Date:2025-04-16 03:11:04
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.
Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.
"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."
Rapper wins lawsuit:T.I., Tiny win $71M in lawsuit with toy company over OMG Girlz dolls likeness: Reports
Macklemore chastises Harris, Democrats for 'sending money and weapons' to Israel
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."
Macklemore says anti-America comment was directed toward 'our government'
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 JLimehouse@gannett.com.
veryGood! (7)
Related
- DoorDash steps up driver ID checks after traffic safety complaints
- Arkansas police identify suspect, victims in weekend shooting that left 3 people dead
- Drugstore worker gets May trial date in slaying of 2 teen girls
- Drugstore worker gets May trial date in slaying of 2 teen girls
- Retirement planning: 3 crucial moves everyone should make before 2025
- OSCARS PHOTOS: Standout moments from the 96th Academy Awards, from the red carpet through the show
- OSCARS PHOTOS: Standout moments from the 96th Academy Awards, from the red carpet through the show
- Josh Jacobs to join Packers on free agent deal, per multiple reports
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Hi Hi!
- New Jersey lawmakers fast track bill that could restrict records access under open records law
Ranking
- Google unveils a quantum chip. Could it help unlock the universe's deepest secrets?
- GM, Chevrolet, Nissan, Porsche among 1.2 million vehicles recalled: Check car recalls here
- Kirk Cousins is the NFL's deal-making master. But will he pay off for Falcons in playoffs?
- Spelling errors found on Kobe Bryant statue; Lakers working to correct mistakes
- Israel lets Palestinians go back to northern Gaza for first time in over a year as cease
- JoJo Siwa Warns Fans of Adult Content and Sexual Themes in New Project
- A Kansas judge says barring driver’s license changes doesn’t violate trans people’s rights
- Oregon governor wants tolling plan on 2 Portland-area freeways scrapped
Recommendation
EU countries double down on a halt to Syrian asylum claims but will not yet send people back
Q&A: California Nurse and Environmental Health Pioneer Barbara Sattler on Climate Change as a Medical Emergency
Most automated driving systems aren’t good making sure drivers pay attention, insurance group says
Rangers' Matt Rempe kicked out of game for elbowing Devils' Jonas Siegenthaler in head
Israel lets Palestinians go back to northern Gaza for first time in over a year as cease
North West to Release Debut Album Elementary School Dropout
Burns, baby, Burns: New York Giants swing trade for Carolina Panthers star Brian Burns
LinkedIn goes down on Wednesday, following Facebook outage on Super Tuesday