Same Love rapper Macklemore apologises for wearing ‘anti-Semitic Jew costume’
His support for LGBT rights and equal marriage is clear for all to see, but US rapper Macklemore has been left reeling after being branded “anti-Semitic”.
It was after the ‘Same Love’ star took to a stage in Seattle in a black suit, dark wig, fake beard and a large prosthetic nose last Friday.
Macklemore’s outfit seemed to mock Hasidic Jewish culture.
The 30-year-old has since apologised.
Macklemore, real name Ben Haggerty, said in a statement: “Family, friends and fans alike who know me well, know that I’m absolutely not the person described in certain headlines today.
“There is no worse feeling than being misunderstood, especially when people are hurt or offended.”
He added: “I wasn’t attempting to mimic any culture, nor resemble one,” he wrote. “A ‘Jewish stereotype’ never crossed my mind. I acknowledge how the costume could, within a context of stereotyping be ascribed to a Jewish caricature. I am here to say that it was absolutely not my intention.
“I love human beings, love originality and happen to love a weird outfit from time to time.”
Not everyone was convinced by his explanation, however, with Jewish actor Seth Rogen arguing that if someone “wanted to put together an anti-Semitic Jew costume, they’d have that exact shopping list”.
Macklemore was praised earlier this year when he performed ‘Same Love’ with Ryan Lewis as gay couples married live at the Grammys.
The 2012 track was unofficially adopted as an anthem by equal marriage supporters due to its pro-gay lyrics.
