In case you don't know, Macklemore was announced as the headliner for the pre-game show in early September, and it was confirmed that he was set to perform his greatest hits, which includes the same-sex marriage song, Same Love.
As we are currently in the middle of the same-sex marriage debate and vote, conservatives have decided to protest this performance. Arguments so far have included that "politics and NRL don't mix" and, to be honest, we don't see them throwing out any other ideas.
Former NRL player Tony Wall created a petition to "Take LGBTIQ politics out of the NRL," as it would offend him and other "no" voters who wish to watch the footy. Conservative journalist Miranda Devine first shared the petition, and was later re-tweeted by former Prime Minister, Tony Abbott.
"Footy fans shouldn't be subjected to a politicised grand final. Sport is sport!" wrote the man who, on many occasions, used sport in his political campaigning.
Tony and other conservative "no" voters are taking to Twitter to voice their concern, and demand the performance be banned for it's political message. Yes, these are the same people who claim we need a $150million+ plebiscite because all Australians should be able to have a say because free speech is very important. Makes sense that they should now attempt to take away another person's free speech. So much sense.
Naturally, Macklemore had a blunt response when he found out about the drama.
Speaking on US radio show The Cruz Show, the rapper said: "I’m actually going out to Australia to perform at kind of the Super Bowl of their rugby league. And it’s interesting actually ’cause I’m gonna play ‘Same Love’ and they’re going through right now trying to legalise same-sex marriage in Australia. So I’m getting a lot of tweets from angry old white dudes in Australia. Today I think there is a petition to ban me from playing. It’s interesting times in Australia and I’m heading on a flight over there later tonight."
When pressed by the host, Macklemore said that the backlash will only encourage him to "go harder."
Macklemore's rebuttal, and the entire issue of politics and the NRL, is getting plenty of social media attention. Even our attorney-general George Brandis labelled Tony's comments bizarre, telling ABC "I thought Mr Abbott believed in freedom of speech."
See some of the best reactions below...
Here's a little preview of what crowd's can expect from the talented artist this Sunday. Let us just say, we can't wait for his amazing and important performance.
