In a lengthy Instagram statement posted Friday, Nov. 6, 2026, Macklemore (Ben Haggerty) said nine major U.S. arenas turned down his “Free Palestine” benefit tour after initially offering available dates through the end of 2026, USA Today reported.

The nine venues he named were Madison Square Garden, Barclays Center and UBS Arena in the New York City area; Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey; Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle; Chase Center in San Francisco; and Intuit Dome, Kia Forum and Crypto.com Arena in the Los Angeles area.

He says the venues pulled out once they learned the tour’s proceeds would benefit Palestinians. Proceeds are to go to 12 organizations supporting Palestinians through medical care, humanitarian aid, education, advocacy and community programs, including Anera, HEAL Palestine, the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund, UNRWA USA and Jewish Voice for Peace.

The tour follows three sold-out benefit concerts in Dublin, Paris and London.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DfaHmBTgRv0/

Photo: Wikimedia Commons — pitpony.photography

Background: Macklemore was removed as the opener on Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour in August after stadium operators, led by New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, objected to his onstage “Free Palestine” remarks, Reuters reported. He donated his $1 million in Loop Tour earnings to Palestinian relief groups.

An MSG Entertainment spokesperson said: “We have some of the busiest venues in the world with extremely limited availability and he’s not an arena level act.”

Kraft has criticized Macklemore for not addressing Hamas’ actions, People reported.

Consequence also reported on Macklemore’s claims about the venues.

Sources: USA Today, Reuters, People, Consequence