Rapper Macklemore's career is facing serious consequences after he uttered the words “Fuck America” at a recent pro-Palestinian concert in Seattle.
Macklemore has been removed from headlining a Las Vegas music festival in the wake of the incident, and his partnership with his local Seattle sports teams is reportedly in jeopardy as a result.
Macklemore responded by issuing a quasi-apology on his Instagram account.
“My thoughts and feelings aren't always expressed perfectly or with the utmost care,” the rapper, 41, wrote. “Sometimes I slip up and get caught out on the spot. Saturday night was one of those times.”
Breitbart News reported that Macklemore performed at an event on Saturday titled “Palestine Forever,” which was intended to raise funds for several organizations, including the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), which Israeli authorities have linked to Hamas.
“Let me be clear: I'm not going to stop you guys. I'm not going to stop you guys. Yes, fuck America,” he said, apparently in response to chants from the crowd.
Macklemore, whose real name is Benjamin Hammond Haggerty, faced immediate backlash after journalist Cam Higbee shared footage of the incident on social media.
The inaugural Neon City Festival in Las Vegas announced Tuesday that Macklemore will no longer headline the event, but organizers did not give a reason why.
The festival shared the news on Instagram, writing, “Due to unforeseen circumstances, Macklemore will no longer be able to perform.”
McElmore's actions have reportedly also put his affiliation with Seattle's local sports teams at risk.
The Kraken and Sounders released a joint statement after the rapper's festival appearance. Macklemore is part of the ownership groups of two Seattle sports teams.
“We believe sports connect and unite people. While we understand Macklemore's increasingly divisive comments, they do not reflect the values of our respective ownership groups, league or organization. We are currently evaluating our collective options regarding this matter,” they said in a statement. statement To the Seattle Times.
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