Macklemore Is Sorry About That Jewish Stereotype Costume

When Macklemore performed a secret show over the weekend with Ryan Lewis in their native Seattle, no one really expected the rapper would hit the stage in a costume that's somewhere between a Salem witch and Moe from The Three Stooges. Stranger still, we're not sure anyone expected the costume to blow up on social media over accusations of insensitivity towards the Jewish people, as many saw the costume as a Jewish stereotype.

For his part, Macklemore insisted that it was an accidental association, and that any offense to the Jewish people was not at all intended. A fake witches nose, wig, and beard = random costume," he tweeted yesterday. "Not my idea of a stereotype of anybody."

But the damage was done, necessitating a more in-depth apology, which Macklemore delivered. Here's an excerpt, although you can read the whole thing at Macklemore's official website:

Credit: Suzi Pratt/FilmMagic

My intention was to dress up and surprise the people at the show with a random costume and nothing more. Thus, it was surprising and disappointing that the images of a disguise were sensationalized leading to the immediate assertion that my costume was anti-Semetic. 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, and unfortunately at the time I did not foresee the costume to be viewed in such regard. I’m saddened that this story, or any of my choices, would lead to any form of negativity.

I will let my body of work and the causes for which I’ve supported speak for themselves. I hope that anyone who may question my intent take a few moments to discover the human and artist that I strive to be. I respect all cultures and all people. I would never intentionally put down anybody for the fabric that makes them who they are. I love human beings, love originality, and… happen to love a weird outfit from time to time.

I truly apologize to anybody that I may have offended. I hope this better explains the situation and my point of view.

With love,

Ben

The apology concludes with a postscript drawing attention to one positive that came out of this whole debacle, as Macklemore notes that the controversy has turned him on to "some incredible groups like the ADL". He encourages fans to check out the Anti-Defamation League website, which you can do by clicking here. If nothing else, this should teach celebrities everywhere to choose their random costumes for surprise appearances in their hometown a little more carefully.