Grammy-winning American rapper Macklemore announced that nine major US venues rejected his planned benefit concerts for Palestine.
He released a statement on Instagram detailing the tour obstacles. He intended to bring the benefit series to the United States after successful shows in Dublin, Paris, and London.
“After weeks of reaching out, nine major American arenas have turned us down,” he wrote.
He named Madison Square Garden, Prudential Center, Barclays Center, UBS Arena, Intuit Dome, Kia Forum, Crypto.com Arena, Chase Center, and Climate Pledge Arena.
His team received available dates at these venues through the end of the year by mid-September. Those booking opportunities vanished once operators discovered the concerts would benefit Palestine.
“The doors were closed,” he said, adding that he had never encountered such resistance during more than two decades of touring.
The musician accused powerful entertainment industry figures of trying to silence artists who publicly support Palestinians. He argued that commercial interests were being placed above freedom of expression.
“We live in a country that prides itself on freedom of speech,” he wrote. He questioned why wealthy individuals should determine which causes performers are permitted to support.
He criticised the intimidation and suppression of pro-Palestinian voices, adding that he regretted not speaking out about similar experiences sooner.
The rapper pointed to the European leg of his tour. He said three sold-out concerts united tens of thousands of people alongside more than 40 artists and speakers supporting Palestinian rights.
Despite the setbacks in America, he vowed to continue organising benefit events, potentially moving them outside the US. “Our commitment to raising funds and standing in solidarity with the Palestinian people remains the same,” he said.
