Grammy-winning artist Macklemore , who recently performed with a wanted woman on stage , has canceled his October gig in Dubai, citing concerns over the United Arab Emirates' alleged role in the ongoing conflict in Sudan . In a lengthy Instagram post on Saturday, Macklemore, who recently showed his support for Palestine , explained his decision: "After careful thought, numerous conversations with trusted organizers and friends and my own reading/research, I don't take this decision lightly and think it's important to explain why." The rapper said he was influenced by people urging him "to cancel the show in solidarity with the people of Sudan and to boycott doing business in UAE for the role they are playing in the ongoing genocide and humanitarian crisis in the region," after recently getting involved with the Drake and Kendrick Lamar beef .
The conflict in Sudan, which began in April 2023, has displaced over 10 million people and left more than half the population facing acute hunger, according to the United Nations. Macklemore expressed concern about compromising his integrity: "How can I be outraged by their lack of integrity while compromising my own? How am I different than the countries that put dollars and power over human life?" The artist, known for his support of Palestinian causes, drew parallels between various global conflicts: "We are being called in this moment to advocate for the most marginalized around the world." "To put our own luxury and abundance aside .