Macklemore Says Nine US Venues Rejected His Free Palestine Tour

Islamabad (GNP): American rapper Macklemore says nine US venues, including New York’s Madison Square Garden, refused to book his Free Palestine tour, which has just concluded three dates in Europe.

The Los Angeles venue Kia Forum was also on the list. Macklemore said in a social media post on Friday that the venues declined to let him book available dates through the end of the year.

The dispute traces back to August, when he was removed as the opening act on Ed Sheeran’s US concert tour. Macklemore said at the time that stadium owners objected to his saying “Free Palestine” on stage.

After that exit, he launched his own tour for the cause. He performed in Dublin, Paris and London, with the proceeds going to organizations that support the Palestinian people.

Back home, however, the plan ran into closed doors. Macklemore said the planned US shows were not going to be allowed to happen at these venues.

MSG Entertainment, which operates Madison Square Garden and other venues, offered a different explanation. A spokesperson said its properties are among the busiest in the world with extremely limited availability, and described Macklemore as “not an arena-level act.” Representatives for the Kia Forum did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

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Macklemore framed the issue as one of free expression. He wrote that the country prides itself on freedom of speech, yet a handful of billionaires can now decide which causes are acceptable and which voices are welcome.

The rapper has been an outspoken critic of Israel’s war on Gaza, where Palestinian authorities say more than 74,000 people have been killed. He said he will work with other artists and organizers to stage more performances for the cause.

Macklemore said, “In over 20 years of touring, I’ve never experienced anything like this.”