Grammy Award-winning musician Macklemore has canceled his appearance at the inaugural Neon City Festival in Las Vegas after making controversial comments about America during a concert over the weekend.
“Due to unforeseen circumstances, Macklemore will no longer perform,” according to an Instagram post shared by festival organizers on Tuesday.
The festival did not give a reason for Macklemore’s departure, but the decision comes days after the “Thrift Shop” rapper sparked controversy with comments he made during a performance at a pro-Palestinian festival in Seattle. Ta. A concert video circulating on social media captured the 41-year-old saying “(expletive) America” during Saturday’s performance.
Macklemore has been a vocal supporter of Palestine and has criticized U.S. leaders’ support for Israel.
Neon City Festival will be headlined by DJ Alison Wonderland, rock band Neon Trees, singer-songwriter Russell Dickerson and DJ Seven Lions. The festival is scheduled to run from November 22nd to 24th.
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USA TODAY reached out to the music festival and Macklemore’s representatives on Tuesday, but did not immediately receive a response.
Macklemore controversy: Macklemore clarifies remarks made at pro-Palestinian concert in Seattle: “Sometimes I make gaffes”
Macklemore speaks at pro-Palestinian festival
Macklemore, whose real name is Benjamin Hammond Hagerty, made anti-American remarks during the “Palestine Lives Forever” festival. He performed the pro-Palestinian song “Hines Hole.”
According to the festival’s website, “We invite you to join us for a day of arts and culture celebration.” “Palestine Will Live Forever is an initiative that brings together not only Palestinian artists but artists in solidarity with Palestine to uplift the community, raise awareness, and raise funds for humanitarian needs in Palestine.”
Macklemore recently collaborated with a Palestinian artist and released “Hinds Hall 2,” a sequel to the song “Hinds Hall.” The song features Palestinian-American artists Aneth and Amer Zaar, Gaza-born rapper MC Abdul, and the LA Palestinian Children’s Choir.
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“Hey, Kamala, I don’t know if you’re listening,” Macklemore says in the song. “But stop sending us money and weapons or we won’t beat Michigan/We’re committed and (expletive) no, we’re not going to change our position .”
Macklemore is a public supporter of Palestine and has shared various pro-Palestinian posts on his social media pages.
“Free Palestine 🇵🇸…The message is love,” he wrote as a caption to a Dec. 24, 2023, Instagram post.