Macklemore Dropped from Vegas Festival After Controversial Comments

Grammy-winning artist Macklemore has been dropped from the lineup of the inaugural Neon City Festival in Las Vegas following a contentious comment he made during a recent performance. The announcement came from the festival organizers via an Instagram post.

The statement read, “Macklemore will no longer be performing due to unforeseen circumstances.” While the festival did not elaborate on the reasons behind this decision, it follows closely after Macklemore’s controversial remarks at a pro-Palestine festival held in Seattle.

During his set over the weekend, the rapper, known for his hit “Thrift Shop,” sparked backlash when he was recorded saying, “(expletive) America” in front of the audience. Video clips from that event quickly spread across social media platforms, amplifying the controversy surrounding his performance.

Macklemore, whose real name is Benjamin Hammond Haggerty, has long been a supporter of the Palestinian cause and has been critical of U.S. government policies regarding Israel. His outspokenness on this issue has drawn both praise and backlash from various audiences.

The Neon City Festival, slated to take place from November 22-24, will now feature DJ Alison Wonderland, rock band Neon Trees, singer-songwriter Russell Dickerson, and DJ Seven Lions as headliners.

Efforts made by USA TODAY to reach out to festival organizers and Macklemore’s management for comments received no immediate response.

Macklemore’s controversial remark occurred during the “Palestine Will Live Forever” festival, where he performed his pro-Palestinian song “Hinds Hall.” The festival itself aims to unite Palestinian artists and those who support their cause, bringing attention to humanitarian needs and celebrating cultural expression.

The event’s website describes the festival as a celebration of artistry dedicated to uplifting the Palestinian community and raising awareness about its humanitarian challenges.

In recent months, Macklemore has also collaborated with Palestinian artists, releasing a follow-up track titled “Hinds Hall 2.” This new song includes contributions from Palestinian-American artists Anees and Amer Zahr, Gaza-born rapper MC Abdul, and the LA Palestinian Kids Choir.

In a lyric from “Hinds Hall 2,” Macklemore directly addresses U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, expressing his discontent with the U.S. support for Israel. The artist urges her to reconsider America’s financial and military assistance, emphasizing the importance of public sentiment in political decision-making.

Throughout his career, Macklemore has consistently used his platform to advocate for social justice issues, including his solidarity with Palestine, making several posts on social media to emphasize his views. He wrote in a December 2023 Instagram post, “Free Palestine 🇵🇸…The message is love,” showcasing his commitment to raising awareness about the situation in Palestine.

The fallout from his recent comments and the resulting cancellation of his festival appearance underscore the sensitive nature of political discourse within the music and entertainment industries. As artists engage in such dialogues, the ramifications of their words can have significant impacts on their careers and public perception.

The Neon City Festival is expected to proceed with its scheduled performances, and it remains to be seen how Macklemore will navigate the response to his comments moving forward.