Macklemore took to social media on Wednesday to share a lengthy statement following his comments at Seattle’s Palestine Will Live Forever festival over the weekend.

Following his performance at the event, during which he led a “Fuck America” chant, the artist received a lot of backlash and was dropped from Las Vegas’ inaugural Neon City Festival in November.

He began his statement by noting that sometimes he slips up and his thoughts and feelings are not always expressed in the best way.

“I strive to always lead with love in an effort to bring people together and never to create more division,” he wrote. “The ‘Palestine Will Live Forever’ festival I performed at was rooted in peace, love and solidarity. Unfortunately, the historic event in my hometown that brought thousands of people together to raise awareness and money for the people of Palestine has become overshadowed by two words.