Macklemore says nine US arenas refused his Free Palestine tour dates
Rapper Macklemore announced on November 6 that nine major American venues declined to host his benefit shows for Palestine.
Venues reject the tour
The artist posted on Instagram that he received available dates at these locations by mid-September. Once the venues learned the events were benefit shows for Palestine, those dates disappeared. He listed Madison Square Garden in New York City and the Barclays Center in Brooklyn among the rejected sites.
Artist cites intimidation tactics
Macklemore described the situation as involving intimidation, manipulation, and suppression tactics by the arena operators. He stated that he would rather lose every opportunity in his industry than protect business relationships with Israel. The rapper noted that this treatment is different from anything he has experienced in over 20 years of touring.
Questions about free speech
The musician argued that billionaires are now deciding which causes are acceptable and which voices are welcome. He questioned what other topics might be targeted next if this country prides itself on freedom of speech. The tour previously took place in Dublin, Paris, and London before the American venues closed their doors.
All 2 outlets report consistently
No differences in figures, names or dates across these reports.
- Variety
- The Guardian
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2 independent outlets. Headlines as published. Links open the original report.