Rapper Macklemore has been axed from a festival line-up after he made controversial comments during a performance.
On Wednesday, the star went viral after videos emerged on social media of him saying “f—k America”, while performing at Seattle’s charity music event Palestine Will Live Forever.
“Straight up, say it. I’m not gonna stop you. I’m not gonna stop you. Yeah, f—k America,” the 41-year-old rapper said.
Following his remarks, Neon City Festival in Las Vegas announced on Instagram that he would no longer be a headliner due to “unforeseen circumstances.”
Sharing a statement to Instagram after news of his axing broke, the rapper wrote: “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.
“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.
“Unfortunately, the event in my hometown that brought thousands of people together to raise awareness and money for the people of Palestine has been overshadowed by two words.”
Macklemore went on to share that he had found Israel’s attacks on Gaza “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.”
He went on to share that his outspoken support for a ceasefire has cost him business and endorsement deals and impacted him financially.
The rapper released the protest anthem Hind’s Hall, named in honor of the six-year-old Palestinian child Hind Raab, who was killed by an Israeli strike in Gaza while she was waiting for aid.
He also previously signed an open letter calling for a ceasefire and has accused Israel of committing a genocide in Gaza.
The health ministry in Gaza says the war that erupted after Hamas attacked Israel on October 7 has killed more than 41,467 people.
With the Gaza Strip under Hamas’ control for nearly two decades, many have questioned the veracity of the health ministry’s figures.
Israel has criticized the data for failing to distinguish between fighters and civilians, and US President Biden also raised questions about its credibility early in the war.
Several UN agencies still operating in Gaza say the figures are reliable, however.
