Macklemore's Anti-American Rant Sparks Outrage

Macklemore, the Grammy-winning rapper, has sparked controversy after telling a crowd of Seattle concertgoers to chant "F--- America" in support of Palestine. The incident was caught on video and has since gone viral, generating widespread backlash and condemnation.

Seattle concertgoers were treated to a shocking display of anti-American sentiment when rapper Macklemore encouraged them to chant "F--- America" at a recent "Palestine Will Live Forever" performance. A video of the incident, shared by journalist Cam Higby, has since ignited a firestorm of controversy, with many expressing outrage and condemnation over Macklemore's remarks.

In the video, Macklemore appears to respond to chants from the crowd by saying, "Straight up, say it. I'm not gonna stop you. I'm not gonna stop you." He then proceeds to utter the expletive-filled phrase himself, sending the crowd into cheers.

Macklemore's Anti-American Rant Sparks Outrage

Macklemore, a 41-year-old rapper born Benjamin Hammond Haggerty in Kent, Washington, had advertised the "Palestine Will Live Forever Festival" on his Facebook page. He announced that proceeds from the event held at Seward Park Amphitheater would go to various groups, including the controversial United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA).

Israeli officials have declared that UNRWA is strongly tied to Hamas in the Gaza Strip. The U.N. itself announced in August that nine UNRWA staffers would be fired due to possible involvement in the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas terror attack on Israel.

Macklemore's Anti-American Rant Sparks Outrage

Fox News Digital reached out to representatives for Macklemore for comment, but they did not immediately respond.

Macklemore's anti-American outburst is not his first foray into Middle East politics. In May, he released an anti-Israel song titled "Hind's Hall," referring to the Columbia University building that students occupied and renamed in honor of a 6-year-old Palestinian girl killed in the Israel-Gaza war. The song praised anti-Israel encampments and protests on college campuses and called out President Biden, the police, and the music industry.

Macklemore's Anti-American Rant Sparks Outrage

This month, Macklemore dropped a second version of the song that now calls out Vice President Kamala Harris, suggesting that she will lose support in Michigan for her support of Israel. The song also includes the antisemitic chant, "From the river to the sea," which calls for the elimination of Israel.

Macklemore's net worth is estimated at $25 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. He has been increasingly vocal about conflicts in the Middle East. Last month, he canceled an upcoming October concert in Dubai due to the United Arab Emirates' alleged support of a paramilitary force fighting government troops in Sudan.

Macklemore's Anti-American Rant Sparks Outrage

The video of Macklemore's "F--- America" chant has sparked a wave of criticism, with many denouncing his remarks as disrespectful, unpatriotic, and divisive. Several celebrities have also condemned Macklemore's actions, including Ted Nugent, Kid Rock, and Tim Allen.

The controversy surrounding Macklemore's remarks highlights the growing divide over the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in the United States. While many Americans support Israel's right to defend itself against terrorism, others sympathize with the plight of the Palestinian people and believe that Israel's policies are discriminatory.

Macklemore's actions have added fuel to this debate and raised questions about the role of artists in political discourse. Should celebrities use their platforms to express their personal views on controversial issues, or should they remain neutral and avoid potentially divisive statements? As the backlash against Macklemore continues, it remains to be seen whether his actions will damage his career or further polarize the debate over the Middle East conflict.