Macklemore, a well-known rapper, has taken a strong stance on President Biden’s response to the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza and the recent pro-Palestinian student protests. In a new song titled “Hind’s Hall,” Macklemore criticizes President Biden, saying, “The blood is on your hands, Biden, we can see it all.” He goes on to add that he won’t vote for Biden in the fall.
The music video accompanying the song includes footage of students protesting at Columbia University and confronting law enforcement, along with scenes of children in Gaza, indicating the humanitarian impact of the war. Macklemore questions the response to pro-Palestinian protests on college campuses and suggests that police presence at peaceful protests is excessive.
Macklemore’s vocal support for pro-Palestinian protests is not new. He spoke at a pro-Palestinian protest in Washington, D.C., last year, shortly after the current conflict between Israel and Hamas began. At the protest, he spoke out against compliance with policies he perceives as supporting genocide.
These pro-Palestinian protests have emerged in response to concerns about Palestinian human rights and the humanitarian situation in Gaza. However, some protests have faced accusations of antisemitism, which protestors reject.
Macklemore himself faced controversy in 2014 when he wore a costume during a performance in Seattle that critics said evoked antisemitic stereotypes. This incident drew significant criticism, but he later apologized and clarified that he did not intend to offend.
HIND’S HALL. Once it’s up on streaming all proceeds to UNRWA. pic.twitter.com/QqZEKmzwZI
— Macklemore (@macklemore) May 6, 2024
