Macklemore Claims US Venues Canceled Shows for Palestine

Rapper Macklemore alleges that nine venues across the United States canceled his planned benefit concerts for Palestinians after realizing their purpose. He stated on Instagram that initially, dates were available for his "Free Palestine" tour through the end of the year. However, once the venues understood the shows were fundraisers for Palestinians, the dates were suddenly removed from consideration.

Macklemore described the situation as unprecedented in his over 20-year career, noting that "doors were closed" and "conversations were different, but the outcome was the same." He expressed a preference for losing opportunities in the industry over defending individuals who prioritize business ties with Israel over Palestinian lives.

The venues he named include Madison Square Garden in New York, Prudential Center in New Jersey, Barclays Center in Brooklyn, UBS Arena on Long Island, and in Los Angeles, Intuit Dome, Kia Forum, and Crypto.com Arena. Chase Center in San Francisco and Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle were also mentioned.

He criticized a system where "a handful of billionaires can decide which causes are acceptable, which voices are welcome, and whose lives are worth defending," questioning what might be targeted next. Macklemore concluded his post with "Free Palestine!"

A spokesperson for MSG Entertainment responded to Variety, stating that Macklemore is "not an artist of the caliber" for their venues, which have limited availability and host "some of the biggest artists in the world."

This incident follows Macklemore's removal from Ed Sheeran's tour in late October due to pro-Palestinian statements made during a warm-up performance. Reportedly, other opening acts and Sheeran's backing band withdrew from the tour in solidarity with Macklemore and the Palestinians.