Macklemore says US venues rejected his Free Palestine tour

American rapper Macklemore, a vocal opponent of Israel's war in Gaza, announced on Friday that major US concert venues, including Madison Square Garden in New York and the Kia Forum in Los Angeles, refused to book his Free Palestine tour. The Free Shop artist had initiated the effort after being removed as the opening act on Ed Sheeran's concert tour in August.

Macklemore stated that stadium owners had objected to him mentioning "Free Palestine" on stage. Since then, nine US venues have declined to allow him to book available dates through the end of the year. The rapper expressed shock, saying, "In over 20 years of touring, I've never experienced anything like this." A Madison Square Garden spokesperson noted that Macklemore is not an arena-level act and that the venue has limited availability.

Macklemore, who played Free Palestine shows in Dublin, Paris, and London to raise funds for organizations supporting the Palestinian people, vowed to collaborate with other artists and organizers to continue the cause. He emphasized that the country prides itself on freedom of speech but criticized a few billionaires' ability to decide which causes are acceptable and which human lives are worth defending.

Palestinian authorities report over 74,000 people have been killed in Israel's assault on Gaza, while Israeli officials claim the action is necessary for self-defense.