Rapper Macklemore has accused nine major US arenas of refusing to host his ‘Free Palestine’ benefit tour, alleging that available dates disappeared after venues learned the concerts would raise funds for Palestinians, writes Variety.
In an Instagram statement on 6 November, he named 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 through the end of 2026 in September, but the venues later withdrew the opportunities. He described the experience as unprecedented in his more than 20-year touring career.
Madison Square Garden’s operator disputed the implication of a political ban, citing limited availability and saying Macklemore was not an arena-level act.
The dispute follows his removal from Ed Sheeran’s US tour after pro-Palestinian remarks. Following benefit shows in Dublin, Paris and London, Macklemore vowed to organise more performances.
