American host 'takes aim' at celebrities criticizing Israel

American comedian Bill Maher criticized rapper Macklemore and other celebrities on his show for anti-Israel rhetoric. Maher called accusations of genocide against Israel unfounded and stated that such claims provoke a rise in antisemitism. He also recalled the historical context of the conflict.

American comedian and TV host Bill Maher, on a recent episode of his program "Real Time" on HBO, sharply criticized rapper Macklemore and other celebrities who publicly accuse Israel of genocide in the Gaza Strip. Maher emphasized that such baseless statements provoke a global surge in antisemitism. The trigger was Macklemore's performance as an opening act before an Ed Sheeran concert, where he chanted "Free Palestine" and performed an anti-Israel track. Maher stated that accusations of genocide are a lie and reminded that Israel withdrew from Gaza as a gesture of peace. He also expressed regret that prominent figures of the US Democratic Party are joining in spreading this rhetoric.