Macklemore has released a statement after being dropped from Las Vegas' Neon City festival over the “fuck America” comment he made while playing at the benefit concert Palestine Will Live Forever in Seattle.

He performed his new track ‘Hind’s Hall 2’ at the event, the sequel to the highly successful track of the same name, which features new vocals from Palestinian artists. All proceeds from the single are given to the United Nations Relief and Words Agency (UNRWA), which provides assistance to Palestinian refugees.

In a fan video from the show in Seattle, Macklemore is seen addressing the crowd by saying: “Straight up, say it, I’m not gonna stop you. I’m not gonna stop you… yeah, fuck America.”

In a statement released on Wednesday, the rapper explained: “My thoughts and feelings are not always expressed perfectly or politely. Sometimes I slip up and get caught in the moment. Saturday night was one of those times.

“I strive to always lead with love in an effort to bring people together and never to create more division. The ‘Palestine Will Live Forever’ festival I performed at was rooted in peace, love and solidarity.

 

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“Unfortunately, the history event in my hometown that brought thousands of people together to raise awareness and money for the people of Palestine has been overshadowed by two words.”

He continued by expressing his “grief and anger” over "the last 11.5 months of watching a genocide unfold in front of us", which he said has been “excruciating on a spiritual, emotional and human level. I have been in utter disbelief with how our government is showing up at this moment in history. I don’t think I’m alone.

“I have been disillusioned and disheartened as our government has continued to unequivocally fund and support Israel’s ongoing violence against the people of Palestine. I don’t think I’m alone.”

Macklemore added: “Do not misconstrue the word ‘fuck’ for the word ‘hate.’ It’s different to be angry than to disown. My ‘fuck’ — my anger — is rooted not in disdain for where I was born but in anguish for how we can collectively allow this to continue. It is not directed at the people that make up our country, but towards our government who refuse to listen to us.”