Macklemore clarifies the “F— America” ​​comment after dropping out of the festival

Macklemore issued a statement after Palestine Will Live Forever Palestine Will Live Forever drew backlash for saying “Fuck America.” Writing on social media, he called the comment a “slip-up” but pledged his “unwavering” support for Palestine, adding that Americans should “rise up and recognize our collective strength, not succumb to our own apathy.” The event, he said, “has the roots of peace, love and solidarity” and should not be “overshadowed by two words”.

On September 24, Macklemore was pulled from the inaugural Neon City festival, less than a week after being announced as the headliner. The festival cited “unforeseen circumstances,” although two Seattle sports franchises with which it is affiliated had already distanced themselves from his “more divisive comments,” according to a joint statement. A member of the Seattle Mariners front office added: “We are aware of the incident and agree with the other teams of the city. sports and music should connect us, not divide us.”

In his statement, Macklemore specifically continued:

I wish I was in a better place with my grief and anger. But the truth is, I’m not okay. I haven’t been.

The last 11.5 months of watching the genocide unfold before us has been excruciating on a spiritual, emotional and human level. I was in total disbelief at how our government was performing at this point in history. I don’t think I’m alone.

I see dismembered children in Gaza being pulled from the rubble and killed by US-made bombs. I see my own children in their lifeless bodies. I don’t think I’m alone. […]

I am outraged by the fact that we have no money in America for healthcare, affordable housing, and education, yet we send billions to Israel to commit internationally recognized war crimes. I don’t think I’m alone.

Still, I was mobilized by the millions who took to the streets around the world to protest on behalf of all those killed by the Netanyahu regime. I am in awe and inspired by those in the Jewish community who have bravely shown solidarity by marching with banners saying “not in our name” and “never again means never for everyone”. I don’t think I’m alone.

Palestine will outlive several relief organizations: Pious Projects, HEAL Palestine, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency, and the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund. Macklemore’s appearance follows his pro-Palestinian tracks “Hind’s Hall” and “Hind’s Hall 2,” the latter of which features Palestinian American artists Anes and Amer Zahr, Gaza-born rapper MC Abdul, and the Palestinian Youth Choir of Los Angeles.