Macklemore Excluded from Las Vegas Music Festival After Controversial Pro-Palestine Comments
Macklemore has been removed from the lineup of the inaugural Neon City Festival in Las Vegas after making an anti-America comment at a pro-Palestine event.
Grammy-winning artist Macklemore will not take the stage at the first-ever Neon City Festival in Las Vegas due to a contentious remark he made regarding America during a recent concert.
The festival shared an Instagram update on Tuesday stating, “Macklemore will no longer be performing due to unforeseen circumstances.”
While the festival did not clarify the reason for Macklemore’s exit, the announcement follows his controversial statement made during a performance at a pro-Palestine festival in Seattle. Footage circulated on social media showing the 41-year-old artist expressing, “(expletive) America” during his set on Saturday.
In the past, Macklemore has openly supported Palestine and criticized U.S. government officials for their backing of Israel.
The lineup for the Neon City Festival will now feature DJ Alison Wonderland, the rock band Neon Trees, singer-songwriter Russell Dickerson, and DJ Seven Lions. The festival is scheduled to occur from November 22-24.
YSL News reached out to both the Neon City Festival and Macklemore’s representatives on Tuesday but did not receive an immediate reply.
Macklemore’s Remark at Pro-Palestine Festival
Macklemore, whose actual name is Benjamin Hammond Haggerty, made the controversial comment at the “Palestine Will Live Forever” festival, where he performed his song “Hinds Hall,” which promotes Palestinian rights.
The festival’s website describes the event as: “Come join us for a day of artistry and cultural celebration. Palestine Will Live Forever is a gathering of Palestinian artists and those who stand in solidarity with them to uplift the community, raise awareness, and provide humanitarian aid to Palestine.”
Macklemore recently worked with Palestinian artists on a new version of his song, “Hinds Hall,” titled “Hinds Hall 2,” featuring artists such as Anees, Amer Zahr, Gaza-born rapper MC Abdul, and the LA Palestinian Kids Choir.
In the song, Macklemore addresses Vice President Kamala Harris, saying, “Hey Kamala, I don’t know if you’re listening, but stop sending money and weapons or you ain’t winning Michigan/We uncommitted, and (expletive) no we ain’t switching positions.”
Macklemore has consistently shown his support for Palestine through various social media posts.
“Free Palestine 🇵🇸,,,, The message is love,” he captioned an Instagram post on December 24, 2023.
