{"id":95168,"date":"2026-09-18T17:03:28","date_gmt":"2026-09-18T22:03:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.crescentcityjewishnews.com\/blog\/?p=95168"},"modified":"2026-09-18T17:03:28","modified_gmt":"2026-09-18T22:03:28","slug":"what-you-need-to-know-about-macklemore-and-accusations-of-antisemitism","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.crescentcityjewishnews.com\/blog\/what-you-need-to-know-about-macklemore-and-accusations-of-antisemitism\/","title":{"rendered":"What you need to know about Macklemore and accusations of antisemitism"},"content":{"rendered":"

By SHIRA LI BARTOV<\/p>\n

(JTA) \u2014 The last time Macklemore drew fire from the Jewish community for a controversial performance, he apologized, there was forgiveness \u2014 and the rapper asked fans to support the Anti-Defamation League.<\/p>\n

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Rapper Benjamin Haggerty, known as Macklemore, performs at the Goldencoast Rap Festival in Corcelles-les-Monts, France, Aug. 30, 2026. (ARNAUD FINISTRE \/ AFP)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

That was May 2014, when Macklemore wore an onstage costume featuring a large hooked prosthetic nose, black wig and bushy beard, prompting many commentators to say that he was indulging a Jewish stereotype.<\/p>\n

Since then, the Gaza war has driven a deep chasm between Macklemore and Jewish pro-Israel advocates. Macklemore says that he is obligated to pro-Palestinian activism, while his critics say he that he crosses lines into antisemitism.<\/p>\n

Macklemore is not apologizing for the pro-Palestinian comments that got him cancelled from opening for Ed Sheeran at stadiums, but doubling down, and has garnered support in the entertainment community. The ADL, a pro-Israel Jewish advocacy group, has called his actions \u201cunacceptable.\u201d <\/p>\n

Robert Kraft, the pro-Israel billionaire who this week blocked Macklemore from playing at Gillette, the Boston area stadium he owns, appeared to reference the 2014 controversy in a statement about his decision. He said the rapper had \u201ca broader history of antisemitic rhetoric and imagery.\u201d <\/p>\n

In 2014, Macklemore apologized for the costume that drew accusations of \u201cJewface,\u201d saying that he intended to \u201csurprise the people at the show with a random costume\u201d and acknowledged that it could be \u201cascribed to a Jewish caricature.\u201d <\/p>\n

Abe Foxman, the late director of the ADL whose absolution once was the ticket for celebrities wanting out of pariah status, forgave the rapper. \u201cWe take him at his word that he did not have any ill intent and unreservedly accept his apology,\u201d Foxman said at the time. <\/p>\n

\u201cOut of a negative can come a positive,\u201d Macklemore said in his own 2014 statement. \u201cThrough this situation I\u2019ve got hip to some incredible groups like the ADL and I encourage people to check the great work they, and others like them, do.\u201d <\/p>\n

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Rapper Macklemore's 'anti-Semitic Jewish costume' sparks renewed fury pic.twitter.com\/GO8yn4rHN1<\/a><\/p>\n

— Daily Mail (@DailyMail) September 17, 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n