Seattle hip-hop star Macklemore has apologized for a costume he wore during a performance last Friday which some criticized as anti-Semitic.
In a post on his website Monday night, the 30-year-old rapper, whose real name is Ben Haggerty, wrote at length about how "there is no worse feeling than being misunderstood, especially when people are hurt or offended."
The "Thrift Shop" singer, in a surprise performance at Seattle's Experience Music Project on May 16, wore a black wig and beard and large nose which he said was an effort to disguise himself so he could attend the event "incognito."
As photographs from the show began to circulate, some questioned who or what the rapper was trying to portray with his costume. Actor Seth Rogen jumped into that mix on Sunday.
Macklemore attempted to defend his get-up as "random," with his own tweet on Sunday.
Rogen, whose 2 million followers are just shy of the rapper's 2.3, questioned that response.
In his website post on Monday, Macklemore wrote, "I’ve always loved dressing up and have been doing so my entire career. The character I dressed up as on Friday had no intended cultural identity or background. I wasn’t attempting to mimic any culture, nor resemble one. A 'Jewish stereotype' never crossed my mind."
But upon further reflection, he did 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’m saddened that this story, or any of my choices, would lead to any form of negativity."
The "Same Love" singer ended his post by saying he hoped his body of work and the causes he has supported would 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."
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