After being removed from a Las Vegas festival due to an anti-American comment, Grammy-winning artist Macklemore issued a detailed apology while reaffirming his support for Palestine.

Macklemore, whose birth name is Benjamin Hammond Haggerty, was dropped from the lineup of the inaugural Neon City Festival in Las Vegas after saying “(expletive) America” during the “Palestine Will Live Forever” event held in Seattle.

“I don’t always express my thoughts and feelings in the best way,” Macklemore stated in an Instagram post on Wednesday. “Sometimes I get caught up in the moment. Saturday night was one of those incidents. I always try to promote love to unite people rather than creating divisions.

“The festival I performed at, ‘Palestine Will Live Forever,’ was centered around peace and solidarity. Sadly, a historic event that drew thousands together to raise awareness and support for Palestine is now being overshadowed by just two words. I wish I had handled my grief and anger better. The truth is, I’m struggling. I haven’t been okay.”

The “Can’t Hold Us” rapper has been a dedicated advocate for Palestine, often criticizing U.S. leaders for their support of Israel. In his recent Instagram message, he did not shy away from expressing his views on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

“Watching genocide unfold in front of us for the last 11.5 months has been spiritually, emotionally, and humanly devastating,” he wrote. “I am in disbelief at how our government responds in this moment of history. I believe many share my feelings.”

Macklemore criticizes Harris and Democrats for ‘sending money and weapons’ to Israel

Macklemore has recently worked with Palestinian artists and released a song titled “Hinds Hall 2,” following his earlier track “Hinds Hall.” This new piece features Palestinian-American artists Anees and Amer Zahr, Gaza-born rapper MC Abdul, and the LA Palestinian Kids Choir.

In the track, Macklemore directly addresses Vice President Kamala Harris, saying, “I hope you’re listening, Kamala, but stop sending money and weapons or you won’t win Michigan. We are uncommitted, and no, we are not changing our stance.”

In his Thursday Instagram post, the 41-year-old rapper expressed frustration over “Democrats signing bills to ban semi-automatic assault rifles following another tragic school shooting, only to turn around and send those very weapons off to Israel.”

Macklemore commended “our young people” who have “risked their degrees by protesting on college campuses for a ceasefire.”

“I feel inspired by their commitment to justice and peace, even at the risk of their future diplomas,” he wrote. “Yet, some days the darkness seems greater than the light, making it hard to see the way forward. I struggle with what the world is becoming.”

Macklemore clarifies that his anti-America comment was aimed at ‘our government’

“Being angry does not mean you disown,” the rapper stated. “My anger—my ‘(expletive)’—comes from sorrow over how we collectively allow this to happen. It’s not aimed at the citizens of this country, but at our government that chooses not to listen to us.”

Macklemore acknowledges having “made mistakes publicly before.”

“I’m likely to stumble again,” he added. “But they will not silence my voice, nor can they shut down my heart. I’ve lost endorsements, shows, and business connections, yet I remain steadfast in my support for a Free Palestine. I value humanity and this planet too much to go back now.”