Macklemore alleges major U.S. venues cancelled his planned benefit shows
The rapper says nine prominent concert venues withdrew approval for his "Free Palestine" benefit tour after learning the proceeds would support Palestinian groups.
Macklemore said nine major U.S. concert venues rescinded permission for his planned "Free Palestine" benefit tour after the shows were identified as supporting Palestinian organizations. He listed venues that included Madison Square Garden, UBS Arena and Barclays Center in New York, the Prudential Center in Newark, Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, Chase Center in San Francisco, and Intuit Dome, Kia Forum and Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles County.
In an Instagram post on Nov. 6, the artist said the dates were removed "suddenly" and that he had never encountered similar cancellations in his two-decade touring career. > "In over twenty years of touring, I've never experienced anything like this," he wrote.
A spokesperson for MSG Entertainment responded that the company operates "some of the busiest venues in the world with extremely limited availability" and noted that Macklemore is not an "arena-level act." USA TODAY has sought comment from the other venues.
The rapper's statements follow his removal from Ed Sheeran's Loop Tour, which he attributes to his public support for Palestinians. He also referenced criticism from billionaire owner Robert Kraft, who said Macklemore's comments contributed to the decision and urged him to address Hamas.
Macklemore said all proceeds from his benefit concerts will go to twelve organizations that provide medical care, humanitarian aid, education and advocacy for Palestinians, citing groups such as Anera, Gaza Soup Kitchen and UNRWA USA. He added that he intends to continue the benefit tour in the United States despite the venue setbacks.