What you need to know about Macklemore and accusations of antisemitism

Rapper Macklemore faces renewed accusations of antisemitism following his pro-Palestinian activism and criticism of Israel, a decade after apologizing for a costume that evoked a Jewish stereotype. The backlash intensified after he performed 'Hind's Hall' at MetLife Stadium, leading to his removal from an Ed Sheeran tour stop at Gillette Stadium by owner Robert Kraft. Macklemore is not apologizing this time and has received support from artists and progressive politicians.

Rapper Macklemore faces renewed accusations of antisemitism following his pro-Palestinian activism and criticism of Israel, a decade after apologizing for a 2014 costume that evoked a Jewish stereotype. The backlash intensified this month after he performed his song 'Hind's Hall' at MetLife Stadium, declaring 'Free Palestine' and displaying images of Gaza. Robert Kraft, the billionaire owner of Gillette Stadium, subsequently barred Macklemore from performing there as an opening act for Ed Sheeran, citing the rapper's 'broader history of antisemitic rhetoric and imagery.' Macklemore is not apologizing this time and has received backing from artists and progressive politicians including Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. The ADL, which had accepted his 2014 apology, now accuses him of 'performative, biased and hateful anti-Israel activism.' The article traces the arc of Macklemore's activism from his 2024 song 'Hind's Hall' through his 2025 follow-up 'F—ed up,' which drew a connection between US military aid to Israel and domestic income inequality.