Less than a week after being announced as the headliner of the inaugural Neon City Festival, Macklemore was dropped from the Las Vegas event’s lineup “due to unforeseen circumstances.”

While the music festival did not announce a specific reason why Macklemore will no longer perform, the change comes days after the “Can’t Hold Us” singer made headlines when he said “Fuck America” ​​onstage at a pro-Palestine benefit concert called “Palestine Will Live Forever.” As seen in footage, the remark drew applause from the Seattle crowd.

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The Neon City Festival headliners were announced on September 19th, and Macklemore sparked controversy with his anti-American comment on September 21st. He was banned from the Neon City Festival on September 24th.

On September 25, Macklemore released a lengthy statement that said, in part, “I don’t always express my thoughts and feelings perfectly or politely. Sometimes I slip up and get carried away by the situation. … Unfortunately, the historic event in my hometown, where thousands of people came together to raise awareness and money for the people of Palestine, is overshadowed by two words.”

The rapper expressed his disappointment with the US role in the violence in the Middle East, adding: “I’ve lost support, I’ve lost business relationships. I’m still here and I steadfastly support a free Palestine.”

Macklemore was an outspoken supporter of the Palestinians during the war between Israel and Hamas. He signed an open letter calling for a ceasefire and accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza. In May 2024, he released a protest song called “Hind’s Hall” in support of student protesters on university campuses. Proceeds from the song went to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East.

The Neon City Festival takes place from November 22nd to 24th in downtown Las Vegas. Headliners include Alison Wonderland, Neon Trees, Russell Dickerson and Seven Lions.

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