Macklemore Clarifies ‘F— America’ Remarks: ‘I’m Not Okay. I Haven’t Been.’

Macklemore Clarifies ‘F— America’ Remarks: ‘I’m Not Okay. I Haven’t Been.’

Macklemore Clarifies ‘F— America’ Remarks: ‘I’m Not Okay. I Haven’t Been.’

Macklemore has taken to Instagram to clarify his controversial “f— America” comment made during a recent performance at the charity event Palestine Will Live Forever in Seattle.

In his statement released on Wednesday, the rapper addressed the backlash stemming from videos that captured him expressing his feelings on stage. He emphasized, “Do not misconstrue the word ‘f—‘ for ‘hate.’”

He opened his message by acknowledging that his thoughts and emotions are not always conveyed perfectly. “Sometimes I slip up and get caught in the moment,” he wrote, reflecting on his performance. He reiterated his intention to promote love and unity at the festival, which aimed to raise awareness and funds for Palestine. However, he expressed regret that his comments have overshadowed the event’s mission. “I wish I had been in a better place with my grief and anger. But the truth is I’m not okay. I haven’t been.”

Macklemore detailed the toll of witnessing violence and suffering, particularly in Gaza, describing it as a “spiritual, emotional and human” crisis. “I have been in utter disbelief with how our government is responding at this moment in history,” he stated, articulating his sorrow over the suffering of children in Gaza, which he said evokes his own children’s likenesses.

He reiterated, “I don’t think I’m alone,” highlighting his feelings of disillusionment and disappointment as the U.S. continues to support Israel’s actions against Palestinians. His emotions often feel overwhelming, he admitted. “It boils over throughout the day as I try to pretend I’m okay. I’m not okay. I don’t think I’m alone,” he expressed, criticizing the government for funding a foreign military while neglecting domestic needs like healthcare, housing, and education.

Macklemore praised the grassroots movements and individuals protesting for justice, including those in the Jewish community standing in solidarity. However, he also acknowledged days when despair feels overwhelming, stating, “some days the darkness outshines the light.”

He described moments when news of U.S. support for Israel leaves him exclaiming, “F— America.” Yet, he clarified that this anger does not equate to hatred for the country itself. “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,” he explained. His frustration is directed towards a government that he feels does not listen to its citizens.

Macklemore Clarifies ‘F— America’ Remarks: ‘I’m Not Okay. I Haven’t Been.’

Macklemore candidly admitted to having made mistakes publicly before and anticipated he would again. “But they will not silence my voice, and they will not close my heart,” he vowed, noting that he has faced consequences for his stance, including losing endorsements and shows. Nevertheless, he remains steadfast in his support for a free Palestine.

The backlash from his comments has been swift. Following his remarks, the Neon City Festival in Las Vegas announced on Instagram that he would no longer be headlining the event due to “unforeseen circumstances.” Furthermore, both the NHL’s Seattle Kraken and Seattle Sounders FC, teams of which Macklemore is a minority owner, released a statement addressing the controversy: “We are aware of Macklemore’s increasingly divisive comments, and they do not reflect the values of our respective ownership groups, leagues, or organizations. We are currently evaluating our collective options on this matter.”

For those interested, Macklemore’s full statement is available for reading below.

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