Macklemore Under Fire for Donating Proceeds to Group That Praised Oct. 7 Hamas Attack
Translated & summarized from Mako by baba
Rapper Macklemore is donating proceeds from his "Free Palestine" tour to organizations including the Palestinian Youth Movement, whose UK branch praised the October 7th Hamas attack. The PYM UK spokesperson called the hostage-taking a "legitimate and effective" tactic. British Jewish leaders and a Conservative shadow minister are demanding answers from Live Nation and the OVO Arena Wembley about the vetting process and fund allocation. The tour begins in Dublin on October 26th.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Macklemore is donating tour proceeds to the Palestinian Youth Movement, which justified the October 7th Hamas attack.
- A PYM UK spokesperson called the October 7th hostage-taking a "legitimate and effective" tactic.
- The PYM UK published an article calling the October 7th attack a "prison break."
- British Jewish leaders have contacted Live Nation and OVO Arena Wembley demanding vetting information.
- Conservative shadow minister Rebecca Pow also seeks explanations on the funding.
- The "Free Palestine" tour starts October 26th in Dublin and ends in London on October 30th.
Rapper Macklemore is facing criticism in the UK for his upcoming "Free Palestine" tour, the proceeds of which he has pledged to donate to several organizations, including the Palestinian Youth Movement (PYM). The British branch of the PYM has previously justified the Hamas-led October 7th attacks, with its spokesperson describing the hostage-taking as a "legitimate and effective" tactic.
According to a report in The Telegraph, PYM UK spokesperson Janine Hourani stated that the October 7th events "validated the use of prisoner exchanges as a legitimate and effective tactic in national liberation and anti-colonial struggles." The PYM also published an article on the one-year anniversary of the attack, calling it a "prison break."
In response to the PYM's inclusion in the list of beneficiaries, the Board of Deputies of British Jews has contacted Live Nation and the OVO Arena Wembley, which is scheduled to host the London show. They are demanding to know what vetting process was conducted and where the funds will be directed. Rebecca Pow, the Shadow Culture Secretary for the Conservatives, has also called for explanations regarding the funding of the organization and the intended use of the money.
The "Free Palestine" tour is set to begin in Dublin on October 26th, followed by a show in Paris on October 29th, and concluding in London on October 30th. Macklemore announced the tour after being dropped from opening acts for Ed Sheeran's US tour due to his pro-Palestinian statements. He stated that audiences expect artists to use their platforms for more than just entertainment and to advocate for Palestinians.
Mentioned
The same event, reported separately by each outlet. Open a few to compare what different newsrooms emphasize — and what they leave out.
Centre 2
Not the same event — other stories that share this one’s people, places, or theme: background, reactions, and follow-ups.
