Macklemore claims ‘Free Palestine’ tour blocked from 9 major US arenas

Macklemore says nine major US arenas declined to host his planned “Free Palestine” benefit tour after learning the shows would raise money for Palestine. He casts the refusals as an attempt to silence artists who speak publicly in support of Palestinians, and says he will continue organising shows.

In an Instagram statement, he named Madison Square Garden, Prudential Center, Barclays Center, UBS Arena, Intuit Dome, Kia Forum, Crypto.com Arena, Chase Center and Climate Pledge Arena. He pointed to three sold-out European shows, which he said drew tens of thousands of people and included more than 40 artists and speakers. The article reports Macklemore’s claims; it does not include responses from the venues.