Macklemore has left many internet users feeling unsettled after expressing his frustrations with America during a recent performance of “Palestine Will Live Forever” in Seattle.
The rapper, born Benjamin Hammond Haggerty, used strong language to criticize the U.S. government for its support of Israel amid the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict. This isn’t his first public display of solidarity with Palestine.
Trigger Warning: The following article addresses the Israel-Palestine conflict. Reader’s discretion is advised.
In a video that has gone viral, Macklemore exclaimed to those in attendance, “F**k America,” adding, “Straight up, say it. I’m not going to stop you. I’m not going to stop you.”
As the musician continued to voice his discontent, the audience responded with enthusiastic cheers.
Video clips of the incident garnered millions of views on various platforms as of the time this article was written.
Macklemore also shared online that the earnings from the festival at Seward Park Amphitheatre would support various non-profit organizations, including the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian refugees.
However, several users on social media expressed their disapproval of his remarks, with many urging him to leave the country. Some comments included:
“Hey @macklemore, since you hate America so much, why don’t you leave? Thanks,” wrote one user on X.
“If you hate this country, then get tf out. Go find one that represents your ideals. America doesn’t want or need your trash here,” another user commented.
Up until this point, Macklemore had not publicly addressed the backlash. Meanwhile, netizens continued to express similar sentiments, with other remarks including:
“If America is so bad, leave,” wrote another X user.
“Cool. He has a pretty nice lifestyle to be so vocal about oppression,” another platform user stated.
“You can get out.. and take the 12 million illegals with you,” a netizen remarked.
Macklemore has a history of being outspoken about political issues. Just last month, he canceled an upcoming concert scheduled for October in Dubai, citing the UAE’s role in the “genocide and humanitarian crisis” in Sudan, as noted on his Instagram account. Other online reactions included:
“F**k these commies,” wrote one user.
“F**k America yet he works in America, he lives in America and his fans are in America,” another commented.
Macklemore’s Hind’s Hall: Recent Pro-Palestine Song Draws Online Outrage
In May, the Kent, Washington-based artist released a song titled “Hind’s Hall,” which refers to the Columbia University building renamed in honor of a six-year-old girl killed during the conflict between Israel and Gaza.
This song commended college campuses across the U.S. for supporting Palestine while criticizing the government, music industry, and law enforcement.
Recently, Macklemore released another version of the song that features contributions from various Palestinian artists, including photojournalist Motaz Azaiza, who provided the cover photo. Collaborators include MC Abdul and Amer Zahr. The song features lyrics such as:
“In our lifetime we will be free, and they can bury us, but they will find out we are seeds.”
The lyrics also mention Vice President Kamala Harris, stating:
“Hey Kamala, I don’t know if you listening, but stop sending money and weapons, you ain’t winning Michigan. We are committed, and hell no we ain’t switching positions, because the whole world turned Palestinian.”
It was announced that all proceeds from both versions of the song would be donated to UNRWA.
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