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Maher Mocks Macklemore Over 'F--- America' Controversy

'America. The only place in the world where a white guy from the suburbs could become a millionaire rapper because here, every person ... has the right to be talent-free'

Published: September 30, 2024
  |   By Chris Bertman
Maher Mocks Macklemore Over 'F--- America' Controversy

Bill Maher mocked rapper Macklemore's recent 'f--- America' remark made during a pro-Palestinian concert earlier this month.


During the debut performance of his latest track "Hinds Hall 2" at a Palestine Will Live Forever benefit festival in Seattle last Saturday, Macklemore, born Benjamin Hammond Haggerty, appeared to react to someone's remarks in the crowd and told his audience that he wouldn't stop them from expressing their opinion.

“Straight up say it, I’m not gonna stop you," the rapper said. "Yeah, f--- America," he added, prompting the crowd to erupt with applause.

The rapper faced backlash for his remark and was later dropped from headlining the inaugural Neon City Festival this November.

Maher mocked Macklemore's remark during a Friday broadcast of his long-running HBO talk show Real Time.

“Last weekend, when there was a pro-Palestine rally in Seattle and when the rapper Macklemore said ‘f--- America,’ everybody loved it,” Maher said before joking, "I’m sure it was a big hit with the ‘Queers for Gaza’ crowd, literally advocating for a government that would imprison you or kill you for being queer from the safety and security of a country that doesn’t do that.”


“Yes, America,” the comedian continued. “The only place in the world where a white guy from the suburbs could become a millionaire rapper because here, every person, regardless of race, class, or gender has the right to be talent-free.”

Maher concluded his statement by noting the United States Constitution was one of the most important documents in human history.

Last Wednesday, Macklemore addressed critics in a long Instagram post.

"Sometimes I slip up and get caught in the moment. Saturday night was one of those times," Macklemore wrote, adding he strives to "lead with love" and "never to create more division."


"The 'Palestine Will Live Forever' festival I performed at was rooted in peace, love and solidarity," he continued. "Unfortunately, the historic event in my hometown that brought thousands of people together to raise awareness and money for the people of Palestine has become overshadowed by two words."


The rapper clarified his used of the word "f---" came from a place of anger rather than hate.

"It is not directed at the people that make up our country, but towards our government who refuse to listen to us. It is directed at the politicians who have put profit over people, who put lobbyist money over their moral compass," he wrote.

"I care about humanity and this earth too much to turn back now. My intent always comes back to the pursuit of peace, love, equality and liberation for all," he concluded. "And that isn't radical, it's human. I don't think I'm alone."

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