The Seattle Mariners have joined the Seattle Kraken and Sounders FC in condemning rapper Macklemore’s recent controversial comments at a pro-Palestinian event in Seattle.

The Grammy-winning artist and co-owner of Kraken and Sounders came under fire for shouting “F—America” at a recent event in Seattle’s Seward Park.

In a statement to FOX 13 Seattle, Mariners vice president of communications Tim Hevly expressed the team’s stance:

This backlash was followed by a video of Macklemore, long a local favorite, asking the crowd to chant the explicit phrase, which was met with cheers. The comments have sparked outrage, particularly because the rapper’s song “Can’t Hold Us” is regularly heard in the 7th inning of Mariners games, replacing the long-standing tradition of “Louie Louie.”

Macklemore made the comments during an appearance at the Palestine Will Live Forever Festival, a fundraiser for pro-Palestinian causes. The event raised funds for several groups, including the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), an organization that has been investigated for alleged ties to Hamas.

The Mariners’ response adds to the growing fallout.

On Tuesday, the Kraken and Sounders issued a joint statement condemning Macklemore’s comments and distancing themselves from his remarks.

“We believe that sport brings people together and unites us. “We are aware of Macklemore’s increasingly divisive comments and they do not reflect the values ​​of our respective ownership groups, leagues or organizations,” they said.

The situation has already affected Macklemore’s career. The rapper, who was scheduled to headline the Neon City Festival in Las Vegas this November, was dropped from the lineup on Tuesday following the controversy.

Macklemore’s recent comments and anti-Israel sentiments in his music have heightened tensions, particularly given the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. His 2023 song “Hind’s Hall” drew further criticism for denouncing President Biden and promoting anti-Israel sentiment, further dividing opinions around the artist.

As Macklemore faces increasing backlash, the Mariners, Kraken and Sounders are evaluating their next steps regarding his involvement in their respective organizations.

MORE STORIES FROM FOX SEATTLE

Seattle’s Climate Pledge Arena will pay nearly $478,000 in fines to concertgoers

Murder-suicide suspicion for closure of I-5 North in Everett, WA

Dispute over motorcycle leads to fatal shooting in Graham, WA

The complaint alleges unethical, unprofessional conduct by Marysville’s superintendent

Seattle family members are mourning the death of a couple who drowned while snorkeling on Maui

To get the best local news, weather and sports in Seattle for free, sign up for the daily newspaper FOX Seattle Newsletter.