Grammy-winning American rapper Macklemore has accused nine major US concert venues of refusing to host his Free Palestine benefit tour, alleging that previously available dates were withdrawn after organisers disclosed the purpose of the events.
In a lengthy Instagram statement on Friday, the artist said he had hoped to bring the concerts to the United States following successful performances in Dublin, Paris and London.
“After weeks of reaching out, nine major American arenas have turned us down,” Macklemore wrote.
He identified the venues as Madison Square Garden, Prudential Center, Barclays Center, UBS Arena, Intuit Dome, Kia Forum, Crypto.com Arena, Chase Center and Climate Pledge Arena.
According to the rapper, his team had received information about available concert dates through the end of the year by mid-September. However, he alleged that those opportunities disappeared once venue operators learned the performances would raise funds in support of Palestine.
“The doors were closed,” he said, describing the experience as unprecedented in his more than 20 years of touring.
Macklemore accused influential figures within the American entertainment industry of restricting opportunities for artists who publicly express solidarity with Palestinians.
“We live in a country that prides itself on freedom of speech,” he wrote, questioning the influence of wealthy industry figures over which political and humanitarian causes artists can publicly support.
The rapper also criticised what he described as intimidation and suppression of pro-Palestinian voices, expressing regret that he had not spoken out earlier about similar experiences.
Reflecting on the European concerts, Macklemore said three sold-out events had attracted tens of thousands of supporters and featured more than 40 artists and speakers advocating for Palestinian rights.
Despite the reported difficulties securing American venues, he reaffirmed his intention to continue organising fundraising concerts, including potentially holding future events outside the United States.
“Our commitment to raising funds and standing in solidarity with the Palestinian people remains the same,” he said.
“We will build our own stages.”
The allegations were made by Macklemore in his public statement, and the account provided did not include responses from the nine venues he named.