Bill Maher Confronts Famous Rapper Over Gaza Remarks

Bill Maher used Friday’s “Real Time” to keep hitting Macklemore after the rapper was dropped from Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour over anti-Israel stage remarks.

Maher also dug up a 2014 costume: a dark wig, beard, and oversized prosthetic nose. “Everyone’s paying more. Macklemore had to pay an arm and a leg for a giant fake prosthetic ‘Jew’ nose,” he said.

Macklemore apologized at the time, writing that friends and fans knew he was “absolutely not the person described in certain headlines” and that there is “no worse feeling than being misunderstood.”

Maher said Sheeran and Macklemore go back about 15 years, “back when Macklemore had his one hit,” and that Sheeran let him open. “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,” Maher said. “Everyone is just really so stupid.”

He mocked Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez for saying she would change the radio if Sheeran came on. “You know, AOC? Way ahead of you. I’ve always changed the channel when Ed Sheeran comes on.”

On Robert Kraft, Maher said the Patriots owner “was understandably offended” and told the rapper he could not play Gillette Stadium. The result, Maher said: Macklemore fans hate Sheeran, Sheeran’s band will not play with him, and he needs a new opener.

He later called political lectures at concerts arrogant. “Do I really need a lecture on politics of any stripe right when the molly is kicking in?”

Commentator Kaivan Shroff told Fox the bit was hypocritical because Maher is himself a celebrity with opinions. Crisis adviser Jason Mudd said Sheeran needs one fast, clear, final line and should stop circling back.