Macklemore vows to 'go harder' when singing 'Same Love' amidst NRL grand final backlash

Tensions appear heightened as Australia is set to vote on whether or not to legalise same-sex marriages shortly, with the final outcome not known until mid-November.

Macklemore is facing criticism from some sections of Australia, over his plans to perform his hit record ‘Same Love’ at the NRL grand final on Saturday.

The choice of song hasn’t been received well by conservative commentators on the right, with former Prime Minister Tony Abbott tweeting:

“Footy fans shouldn’t be subjected to a politicised grand final. Sport is sport!”

Footy fans shouldn't be subjected to a politicised grand final. Sport is sport! https://t.co/1uRh4eZ61Z

— Tony Abbott (@HonTonyAbbott) September 27, 2017

Australian Attorney General, George Brandis stated that it was “bizarre” for Abbott to target Macklemore.

“This particular song is one of four songs I believe that Macklemore is singing, it’s one of his most popular songs, and for Mr Abbott or anyone else to say that it should be banned I think is a bizarre thing to say,” said Brandis.

A petition was also instigated this week by former rugby league player Tony Wall, to have the song removed from the setlist saying it would be difficult to watch the final with “with a LGBTIQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex & Queer) anthem taking centre stage”.

The petition thus far has attracted roughly 10,000 signatures of support, prompting the pop star to respond:

.@macklemore talks about his upcoming performance at Australia’s @NRL and the controversy about him performing “Same Love” #TheCruzShow pic.twitter.com/CaAQ6iEh6i

— The Cruz Show (@TheCruzShow) September 27, 2017

“So I’m getting a lot of tweets from angry old white dudes in Australia. I think there was a petition today to ban me from playing it. So it’s interesting times in Australia … Imma go harder, imma love,” said Macklemore.

If the Storm vs Cowboys needed any more drama, Macklemore has certainly just brought it.