AceShowbiz - Macklemore, the Seattle-born rapper known for his outspokenness, found himself in hot water after leading a "f**k America" chant during his performance at the Palestine Will Live Forever Festival. The event, hosted at Seattle's Seward Park Amphitheater, aimed to support organizations providing aid to Palestinian refugees. A fan video from the concert captured Macklemore encouraging the crowd, saying, "Straight up, say it, I'm not gonna stop you... yeah, f**k America."

The backlash was swift. Business partners, including the Seattle Kraken and Sounders FC, began reassessing their relationships with the rapper. The teams issued a joint statement saying, "We are aware of Macklemore's increasingly divisive comments, and they do not reflect the values of our respective ownership groups, leagues, or organizations. We are currently evaluating our collective options on this matter." Additionally, Macklemore was dropped from the lineup of Las Vegas' Neon City Festival due to "unforeseen circumstances."

In a lengthy statement posted on social media, Macklemore addressed the uproar. "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," he explained. He continued, "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."

Many in Washington's Jewish community reacted with hurt and disappointment. Randy Kessler, regional director of Stand With Us Northwest, expressed the sentiment of many, saying, "There's a lot of people who are simply disgusted." The Jewish community's frustrations were compounded by the rapper's words in a neighborhood with a significant Jewish population.

However, Macklemore also found defenders who referred to his right to free speech and highlighted the plight of Palestinians. The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) released a statement emphasizing, "Speaking up against the genocide in Gaza is held to a different standard than speaking out on other topics in our country."

The rapper clarified his stance, insisting that his words were born of anguish, not hatred. "It's different to be angry than to disown," he said. "My 'f**k' - my anger - is not rooted in disdain for where I was born but in anguish for how we can collectively allow this to continue."

Despite the controversy and the financial and professional repercussions, Macklemore remains steadfast in his support for a Free Palestine. "I've lost endorsements, I've lost shows, I've lost business ties," he acknowledged. "I am still here, unwavering in my support for a Free Palestine. I care about humanity and this earth too much to turn back now."