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Macklemore has addressed the criticism he has faced for making comments perceived to be anti-American.
During a recent performance of his pro-Palestine song “Hind’s Hall” at a benefit festival for the country, the rapper shouted, “Fuck America,” leading to intense backlash, particularly from conservatives.
Since making the remark, Macklemore has been dropped from Neon City Festival in Las Vegas and condemned by the Seattle Kraken of the NHL and the Seattle Sounders of the MLS, both of which he co-owns.
“We believe that sports bring people together and unite us. We are aware of Macklemore’s increasingly divisive comments, and they do not reflect the values of our respective ownership groups, leagues, or organizations,” the teams said in a joint statement.
“We are currently evaluating our collective options on this matter.”
Macklemore has now had his say on the matter, clarifying his controversial comment in a lengthy message posted on Instagram.
“My thoughts and feelings are not always expressed perfectly or politely. Sometimes I slip up and get caught in the moment. Saturday night was one of those times,” he began.
He continued: “The last 11.5 months of watching a genocide unfold in front of us has been excruciating on a spiritual, emotional and human level. 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.
“I see dismembered kids in Gaza being pulled out of rubble, murder by U.S manufactured bombs. I see my own children in their lifeless bodies. I don’t think I’m alone. I listen to their parents scream and hear the deepest cries of pain and helplessness imaginable. I cry with them. I don’t think I’m alone.
“I have been disillusioned and disheartened as our government has continued to unequivocally fund and support Israel’s on-going violence against the people of Palestine. I don’t think I’m not alone.”
The “Thrift Shop” rapper then explained his disillusion with the American government’s support of Israel during the escalating conflict, and clarified that his anger is directed at politicians, not the American people.
“And some days I wake up, see another couple billion dollars given to Israel, or another refugee encampment destroyed, or a father holding a limb from his martyred child, or another speech from a politician justifying the right of Israel to ‘defend itself’ while denying Palestinians the right to exist, and I say to myself…. ‘Fuck America.’ I don’t think I’m alone.
“But do not misconstrue the word ‘fuck’ for the word ‘hate.’ It’s different to be angry than to disown. My ‘fuck’ — my anger — is rooted not in distain 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.
“It is directed at the politicians who have put profit over people, who put lobbyist money over their moral compass. I think, ‘How are these people representing us as a country?’ I don’t think I’m alone.”
Macklemore signed off by saying: “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. My intent always comes back to the pursuit of peace, love, equality and liberation for all. And that isn’t radical, it’s human.”
