Artist says venues withdrew available dates after learning shows would support Palestine, vows to continue fundraising efforts.
American rapper Macklemore has said that nine major US arenas had rejected plans to host concerts supporting Palestine, accusing venue operators of blocking the events after learning they were part of his Free Palestine benefit tour.
In a lengthy Instagram statement on Friday, the Grammy-winning artist said he had planned to bring the tour to the US following successful concerts in Dublin, Paris, and London.
“After weeks of reaching out, nine major American arenas have turned us down,” he wrote, naming Madison Square Garden, Prudential Center, Barclays Center, UBS Arena, Intuit Dome, Kia Forum, Crypto.com Arena, Chase Center and Climate Pledge Arena.
Macklemore said his team had received available dates at the venues through the end of the year by mid-September, but those opportunities disappeared once the operators learned the concerts would benefit Palestine.
Attempts to silence pro-Palestinian artists
“The doors were closed,” he said, adding that he had never experienced anything similar in more than two decades of touring.
The rapper accused powerful figures in the entertainment industry of attempting to silence artists who publicly support Palestinians, arguing that commercial interests were being prioritised over freedom of expression.
“We live in a country that prides itself on freedom of speech,” he wrote, questioning why wealthy individuals could determine which causes artists were allowed to support.
He also criticised intimidation and suppression of pro-Palestinian voices, saying he regretted not speaking publicly about similar experiences earlier.
‘We will build our own stages’
Macklemore praised the European leg of his tour, saying three sold-out concerts brought together tens of thousands of people and more than 40 artists and speakers supporting Palestinian rights.
Despite the setbacks, he vowed to continue organising benefit concerts, potentially outside the US.
“Our commitment to raising funds and standing in solidarity with the Palestinian people remains the same,” he said.
“We will build our own stages.”
TRT World / َAA — TRT World / َAA
Photo: AA Archive
Decade of dialogue: TRT World Forum 2026 kicks off in Istanbul
This year's agenda highlights artificial intelligence, energy crises, international law, and global economics through nine open sessions and several expert roundtables.
Zelenskyy, Kiev mayor exchange fresh salvos after Russian strikes
Kiev's bridges across the sweeping Dnipro River have also come under attack for the first time in nearly five years of war with Russia.
Nigeria military plane crash: Investigators find cockpit voice recorder
The aircraft carrying 20 passengers and five crew members crashed in country’s southwest last month.
All rights reserved. Newstimetr © 2026
