Bill Maher lashes out at Macklemore over remarks he made during Sheeran's tour: 'He goes out there and repeats lies about how Gaza is a genocide'

Bill Maher publicly criticized Macklemore during the latest episode of "Real Time" on HBO. The host used the controversy surrounding the rapper to recall an incident from 2014, when Macklemore performed in Seattle wearing a dark wig, a beard and a fake nose that many interpreted as an antisemitic caricature.

Maher was discussing rising prices when he took a jab at the rapper: "Everyone’s paying more. Macklemore had to pay an arm and a leg for a giant fake prosthetic 'Jew' nose." The artist apologized at the time and admitted that the outfit could be interpreted as a Jewish stereotype.

The Gaza controversy

Maher's remarks came after Macklemore was removed from Ed Sheeran's U.S. tour. The rapper had delivered a pro-Palestine speech during one of the concerts and publicly chanted "Free Palestine."

Maher rejected the description of the war in Gaza as genocide and called that characterization false.

"So, Ed Sheeran let Macklemore be his opening act on his tour. And when I say, 'act,' he goes out there and repeats lies about how Gaza is a genocide," said the comedian.

Removed from Sheeran's tour

Macklemore was removed from the remaining tour dates on Sept. 14, after several venues warned that they would not allow him to perform. The promoter, Messina Touring Group, explained that keeping him in the lineup could lead to concert cancellations and affect hundreds of thousands of attendees.

Maher also criticized musicians for using their concerts as political platforms. In his view, artists shouldn't assume that audiences come to shows to hear political speeches. "It’s so arrogant on both their sides," he said.