Comedian Bill Maher doubled down on his criticism of rapper Macklemore during Friday’s episode of HBO’s “Real Time,” revisiting a 12-year-old onstage costume incident and addressing the fallout from Macklemore’s removal from Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour, as reported [1] by Fox News.
Macklemore, 43, was dropped from the tour following a series of anti-Israel remarks. Maher referenced a 2014 performance in which the “Thrift Shop” singer wore a dark wig, beard, and large prosthetic nose.
“Everyone’s paying more. Macklemore had to pay an arm and a leg for a giant fake prosthetic ‘Jew’ nose,” Maher said.
I guess people already forget Macklemore in 2014 and his “Jew” costume. Showed who he is.https://t.co/4rJTpzXVe3 [2]
— Mendte In The Morning (@LarryMendteShow) September 20, 2026 [3]
Macklemore issued an apology on his website shortly after the 2014 incident:
“Family, friends and fans alike who know me well, know that I’m absolutely not the person described in certain headlines today. There is no worse feeling than being misunderstood, especially when people are hurt or offended.”
Maher continued by discussing Macklemore’s comments on the Israel-Hamas war and his role as an opening act.
“Apparently, [Ed Sheeran] is old buddies with Macklemore from 15 years ago, back when Macklemore had his one hit,” Maher said.
“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.
“Not that they care, but that’s a lie.
“Everyone is just really so stupid,” he added.
“Listen to this. AOC was asked yesterday would she change the channel on the radio if Ed Sheeran came on. And she said, ‘Yes. Yes, I would.’ You know, AOC? Way ahead of you. I’ve always changed the channel when [Ed Sheeran comes on].”
Maher also addressed the dispute involving New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft.
Macklemore stated in an Instagram post that Sheeran told him Kraft would not allow the rapper to perform at Gillette Stadium, which the Kraft Group owns.
“OK, so Robert Kraft, who is a rich guy, owns the Patriots, owns the stadium where this concert was about to take place. He was understandably offended by this and said, ‘You can’t play my stadium,’” Maher said.
“So, now Macklemore’s fans hate Ed Sheeran. Ed Sheeran’s own band won’t play with him. And Ed Sheeran needs a new opening act.”
Bill Maher speaks out over Macklemore being dropped from Ed Sheeran’s tour.pic.twitter.com/RV76N6bTfQ [4]
Maher defended Robert Kraft’s decision to cancel the rapper’s concert at Gillette Stadium over concerns about his rhetoric.
“Where does the First Amendment pause with its…
— Resist the Mainstream (@ResisttheMS) September 19, 2026 [5]
Later in the program, Maher criticized the use of concerts for political messaging.
“But I think just any kind of echo of that old cancel culture from the past is going to be a loser in today’s environment,” Maher said.
“Is anyone looking for any of this at a concert? I mean, do I really need a lecture on politics of any stripe right when the molly is kicking in? It’s so arrogant on both their sides.”
The remarks follow Macklemore’s statement to a New Jersey crowd: “A big part of the reason why I wanted to do this tour in the first place is so that I could stand up in stadiums like this and say two words that are very, very dear to my heart: Free Palestine.”
After being dropped from the tour, Macklemore donated $1 million to Palestinian aid efforts. Kraft then made a $2 million donation to Gaza after the rapper called on him to match the amount.
Political commentator Kaivan Shroff told Fox News Digital that Maher’s criticism of musicians expressing political views carries an underlying hypocrisy.
“Maher’s whole premise falls apart the minute he starts mocking celebrities for having political opinions. Bill Maher is a celebrity with an opinion on virtually everything. He can think Macklemore is wrong, AOC is ridiculous, or Ed Sheeran is overrated. But pretending the problem is that entertainers are weighing in on politics is absurd when that has been his own business model for decades,” Shroff said.
Shroff also addressed Maher’s reference to the 2014 costume.
“The Macklemore costume is relevant, especially given the subject matter. But Maher takes that legitimate point and buries it under a bunch of cultural sniping,” Shroff told Fox News Digital.
“AOC said she would change the station because of Sheeran’s involvement in the controversy. Maher jokes that he changes it because he dislikes Sheeran’s music. That may get a laugh, but it does not actually respond to her position in any meaningful way. The same is true of calling Macklemore a one-hit wonder. None of that tells us whether the underlying argument is right or wrong.”
Axia Public Relations CEO Jason Mudd said Sheeran should make a clear decision and stand by it.
“Every hour of silence gives someone else the opportunity to control the narrative,” Mudd told Fox News Digital.
“Strong crisis decisions share three things: They’re fast. They’re clear. They’re final. Sheeran doesn’t need a new decision. He needs one decision he can stand behind.
“I’ll stick to Sheeran’s own communication strategy here, not the politics behind it,” Mudd continued.
“If Sheeran were my client, I’d advise him to pick a direction and hold it. One clear explanation is enough. Circling back to it in public is a common mistake. It’s perceived as doubt and invites more discussion and debate.”