Comedian Bill Maher shared his views on prominent anti-Israel celebrities during the opening night of Rosh Hashanah, specifically targeting musician Macklemore. Maher argued that labeling the conflict in Gaza as genocide fuels global antisemitism. Maher made his comments on HBO’s ‘Real Time’ on Friday night.
Maher criticized certain members of the Democratic Party for their outspoken views against Israel in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. He suggested that the moral confusion is pronounced in Gaza, describing it as a strip of land that was once part of war-winning territory. He mentioned that Israel returned Gaza as a peace gesture, questioning whether young people hear this narrative on platforms like TikTok.
Bill Maher arrives for the 27th Mark Twain Prize for American Humor gala in Washington, D.C. in June 2026. (Alex Wroblewski/AFP via Getty Images)
Maher shifted his focus to Macklemore—Benjamin Hammond Haggerty—who performed his anti-Israel track ‘Hind’s Hall’ while supporting Ed Sheeran at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Maher criticized Macklemore’s calls to ‘Free Palestine’ and his assertion that the situation in Gaza constitutes genocide. Maher countered, stating, ‘You don’t know s—,’ describing the conflict as a counterattack rather than genocide.
Macklemore performs at St Anne’s Park in Dublin in June 2025. (Kieran Frost/Redferns via Getty Images)
In September, Macklemore used his stage time during a concert to highlight his stance on the Israel-Hamas conflict, emphasizing ‘Free Palestine’ to the audience. He expressed a wish for his message to reach Gaza and the occupied West Bank.
Maher continued his critique, claiming the assertion that Gaza equals genocide is an easily disprovable falsehood, expressing concern over Democratic support on this issue. He compared this moment to the Reconstruction era post-Civil War, indicating the intensity of his criticism.
Macklemore performs before a Seattle Seahawks game in September 2021. (Tom Hauck/Getty Images)
Maher concluded his segment correlating false claims of genocide with the surge in antisemitism globally. He posited that if people sincerely believe genocide accusations, it gives them permission to harbor hatred, particularly towards Jews.
German officials warn that rhetoric from Islamists and the far-left drives a spike in antisemitic attacks.
Jason Mudd, CEO of Axia Public Relations, also criticized Macklemore, defining his political stance as a ‘calculated risk’ that might alienate part of his audience. Mudd outlined potential impacts on Macklemore’s career, reputation, and future earnings due to his polarizing statements.
Mudd suggested that celebrities should be aware of the risks associated with using their platform to influence politics. He warned that taking a stance like Macklemore’s invites public scrutiny and backlash as evidenced by Maher’s comments.
Julia Bonavita is a media and culture writer for Fox News Digital, and a Fox Flight Team drone pilot.
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