American rapper Macklemore, whose legal name is Benjamin Haggerty, is drawing criticism ahead of his upcoming United Kingdom tour due to his decision to direct proceeds from a London concert to the Palestine Youth Movement (PYM), an organization whose British spokesperson has expressed support for Hamas’ hostage-taking during the October 7, 2023, attacks.

Macklemore’s concert on October 30 at Wembley Arena, a venue with a capacity of 12,500 and operated by Live Nation, is scheduled to benefit several causes, including the PYM. Jeanine Hourani, a UK spokesperson for the group, previously described the hostage-taking carried out by Hamas as both “legitimate” and “effective.” The Palestine Youth Movement has also referred to the same events as a “prison break,” a characterization that has fueled controversy surrounding the artist’s support.

The Jewish Leadership Council (JLC) has voiced concerns that Macklemore’s financial backing of the PYM risks legitimizing acts of violence against Jewish communities. The council has called on Live Nation to disclose its vetting procedures for partner organizations linked to the concert and to implement safeguards aimed at preventing antisemitic incitement targeting both staff and attendees.

This development follows a related incident earlier this fall when Macklemore was removed from the lineup of Ed Sheeran’s U.S. tour after two September performances at MetLife Stadium, where the rapper openly expressed support for Palestine. During those shows, he declared “Free Palestine” and accused Israel of committing genocide and apartheid—allegations that Israel has strongly rejected as false and defamatory. Following the statements, multiple venue owners, including Robert Kraft, the Jewish philanthropist who owns Gillette Stadium, informed promoters they would not allow Macklemore to perform, leading to his removal by the promoter Messina Touring Group.

Live Nation and Macklemore’s representatives have yet to issue a public response regarding the concerns raised about the upcoming London concert or the broader backlash linked to the rapper’s political statements and affiliations.