Macklemore apologises over controversial stage costume

Rapper Macklemore has written an extended apology to dismiss accusations of anti-Semitism after he initially brushed off the controversy over an onstage costume.

The Thrift Shop hitmaker took to the stage at a gig in Seattle, Washington on Friday (16May14) and during one part of the show, donned a large prosthetic nose, beard and a black wig.

The stunt angered some critics, who alleged the star was poking fun at Jewish stereotypes, and he denied the claims, simply tweeting: "A fake witches (sic) nose, wig, and beard = random costume. Not my idea of a stereotype of anybody."

However, the backlash continued to rumble on, so Macklemore took to his official website to apologise for causing offence.

He writes, "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... I've always loved dressing up and have been doing so my entire career.

"The character I dressed up as on Friday had no intended cultural identity or background. I wasn't attempting to mimic any culture, nor resemble one. A 'Jewish stereotype' never crossed my mind... I am here to say that it was absolutely not my intention, and unfortunately at the time I did not foresee the costume to be viewed in such regard. I'm saddened that this story, or any of my choices, would lead to any form of negativity."