At the opening of a new exhibit at Seattle's EMP Museum called "Spectacle: The Music Video" on Friday, audience members were treated to a surprise performance by Macklemore and Ryan Lewis, who have outfits included in the exhibit.
Macklemore showed up in disguise at EMP's opening-night party for Spectacle exhibit. Photos: http://t.co/EmuFo1IKw9
During the set, Macklemore wore a costume that included a large prosthetic nose and fake beard.
Yes, Seattle, this is Macklemore. "Went to Costume Display today and I feel like a man for the first time" #empvivid
Which some are arguing was simply a hodgepodge of offensive Jewish stereotypes.
Yes, that's @macklemore. He & @RyanLewis played a surprise performance @EMPmuseum tonight: http://t.co/Pb10sh2HtL
Many fans seemed to enjoy the set and didn't comment on Macklemore's choice of attire.
Woo - surprise! Macklemore at EMP!
But once photos surfaced from the performance, others turned to social media to question the outfit choice.
want to lose your faith in humanity? macklemore wore a jewish stereotype costume to a concert: http://t.co/BqRYFH1D1m via @dailydot
that time macklemore showed up to a concert in seattle dressed like a jewish stereotype (h/t @thetanyebest) http://t.co/Gd7Pih8WJy
What a sick joke this guy is @dailydot: Why did Macklemore perform a secret show in Jew-face? http://t.co/4trGKCowMr
While others have noted the relative lack of reaction to the costume from the audience members at the performance.
Super unsurprised that Seattlites didn't think Macklemore's Jewish costume was offensive http://t.co/FJyzzgFnPp
Macklemore says he is not Jewish.
RT @morgaaaann: @macklemore are you Jewish or what <- nah. Just got hella good Jewish homies
UPDATE, May 19, 9:30 a.m. ET: Macklemore has addressed the controversy via tweet, denying the stereotype accusation.
A fake witches nose, wig, and beard = random costume. Not my idea of a stereotype of anybody.
UPDATE, May 20, 10:20 a.m. ET:
Macklemore has posted an extended statement on his blog addressing the controversy, stating, "I acknowledge how the costume could, within a context of stereotyping, be ascribed to a Jewish caricature. 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."
Read the full statement here.