Macklemore recently performed at the Palestinian benefit concert Palestine Will Live Forever. During the concert, the singer exclaimed, "F**k America," the footage of which went viral. The singer has addressed the said remarks after being removed from the Las Vegas-based Neon City Festival, stating in a lengthy statement posted on his official Instagram page on September 25, 2024:
"My thoughts and feelings are not always expressed perfectly or politely. Sometimes I slip up and get caught in the moment... 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."
The singer continued:
"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”
It is unclear whether Macklemore's comment at the Palestinian festival was responsible for his ejection from the Neon City Festival lineup. The festival has merely stated that he was dropped due to 'unforeseen circumstances.'
Macklemore's statement on his anti-America comment explored
In the statement, the singer went into detail about the horror that was grieving him, stating that it had been an excruciating event on a spiritual and emotional level to watch a genocide unfold over the last 11.5 months and how he sees his children in the carnage that has claimed the lives of thousands of Palestinian children in Gaza, all by US manufactured bombs.
Macklemore further elaborated on how the US government has disillusioned him on both sides of Congress and the pain and outrage he felt due to that:
"I have been disillusioned and disheartened as our government has continued to fund and support Israel's on-going violence against the people of Palestine. I don't think I am alone. My pain and emotion has been at times uncontrollable. It boils throughout the day as I try to pretend I'm ok. I'm not ok. I don't think I am alone."
Macklemore tackled the domestic cost of living issue and how many Americans do not have access to affordable healthcare, housing, and education. Yet, at the same time, the US government is sending billions of dollars in aid to Israel even as the latter nation has been internationally recognized to have committed war crimes during the Gaza conflict.
The singer describes how he was being driven insane by the fact that the Democrats in the government are supporting bills to ban semi-automatic assault rifles and, at the same time, signing off on weapons export to Israel, weapons whose victims include the children in Palestine.
Macklemore goes on to say that while he has been disheartened by the government's actions, he has also been mobilized and heartened by the millions of people who have come out in protest against those actions. He says that some days, the darkness and disheartening nature of the events triumph over the light.
He further went on to state that when he said "F**k America," he did not mean he hated America. Instead, he was anguished at America's part in the conflict and was solely directed at the government and its politicians responsible for that role.
Macklemore added that he cared deeply and was rooted in past protest movements, including the protests against the Vietnam War. He said that the moment at present was calling for all people to recognize their collective power and how it can be used to achieve a peaceful, more equitable future.
Finally, the singer said that he had slipped in front of the world, but he would not be silenced by the criticisms, stating:
"I've slipped in front of the world. I'm sure I'll do it again. 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'm still here, unwavering in my support for a Free Palestine. I care about humanity and this earth too much to turn back now."
Macklemore said he always intends to pursue peace, equality, liberation, and love for all. He thinks these are not particularly radical notions but basic human ones, and he doesn't think he is alone in pursuing these ideals.
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