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American rapper Macklemore, who is arguably the most vocal western celebrity when it comes to the Palestinian cause, has been embroiled in controversy after making headlines for saying “f**** America” at a benefit concert in Seattle. He has since issued a lengthy statement addressing the controversy and affirming that he remains unwavering in his support for Palestine.

The rapper lamented that the Palestine Will Live Forever concert, something he described as a historic event in his hometown, which “brought thousands of people together to raise awareness and money for the people of Palestine”, became overshadowed by his two words and admitted that he had not been okay.

“The last 11.5 months of watching a genocide unfold in front of us 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 see dismembered kids in Gaza being pulled out of rubble, murder[ed] by US-manufactured bombs. I see my own children in their lifeless bodies. I don’t think I’m alone.”

Macklemore said he felt disillusioned and disheartened as the US government continued to “unequivocally fund and support Israel’s ongoing violence against the people of Palestine”, adding that his pain and emotion felt uncontrollable.

“I am outraged by the fact that we lack money for healthcare, affordable housing and education in America yet we send billions to Israel to commit internationally recognised war crimes.”

The rapper stated that he felt “insane” watching Democratic politicians sign bills to ban semi-automatic assault rifles after school shootings and then “use the same ink to send those same weapons off to Israel to kill the children of Palestine”.

Highlighting how he was inspired by pro-Palestine protesters, including the Jewish community and college students, Macklemore said “some days the darkness outshines the light”.

“Some days the genocide displayed on my screen is too much for my spirit to stare at in such clarity. And some days I wake up, see another couple billion dollars given to Israel, or another refugee encampment destroyed, or a father holding a limb from his martyred child, or another speech from a politician justifying the right of Israel to ‘defend itself’ while denying Palestinians the right to exist, and I say to myself…. ‘F*** America.’ I don’t think I’m alone.”

However, the ‘Thrift Shop’ singer reminded his followers not to misconstrue the word “f***” for the word “hate”.

“My ‘f***’ — 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.”

Macklemore continued that his anger was directed at the politicians who have put “profit over people” and who put “lobbyist money over their moral compass”. He questioned how such people were representing America as a country.

The rapper emphasised that he did care and that his care was rooted in the legacy of protests and resistance of past generations, and mentioned those who stood at the forefront of the Civil Rights Movement, the movement against the Vietnam War and the movement against the apartheid in South Africa.

“This moment is calling us as Americans to rise and recognise our collective power rather than succumb to our own apathy. It is beckoning us to gain a shared analysis around the systems of oppression that are currently running our country so we can evolve, ensuring that ALL of our children can live in a more equitable world, and not only a few.”

Macklemore said that he had slipped in front of the world before and was sure he would do so again, however, he refused to let people silence his voice and close his heart.

He said he had lost endorsements, shows and business ties but was “unwavering” in his support for a free Palestine.

Shortly after his comment about America, Macklemore was dropped from the lineup of the inaugural Neon City Festival in Las Vegas due to “unforeseen circumstances,” The event organisers did not disclose a specific reason for his removal, Variety reported.

“I care about humanity and this earth too much to turn back now. My intent always comes back to the pursuit of peace, love, equality and liberation for all. And that isn’t radical, it’s human.”

He ended his statement with the refrain, “I don’t think I’m alone.”

Within 13 hours since it was posted to Instagram, Macklemore’s statement gained almost 300,000 likes and 14,000 comments, most of which voiced support and love for the rapper.

Macklemore is one of the few mainstream Western artists who has consistently raised his voice for Palestine and used his platform to further the pro-Palestine movement. He released two songs titled ‘Hind’s Hall’ and ‘Hind’s Hall 2’ which discuss the plight of Gaza and the role America plays in the ongoing situation.