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What is Macklemore's real name? Rapper sets Internet alight with speech at 'Free Palestine' protest

Macklemore took the stage following a gathering of thousands in the nation's capital on Saturday, November 4

WASHINGTON, DC: Rapper Macklemore, also known as Benjamin Hammond Haggerty, has stirred controversy by unexpectedly appearing at a Washington DC pro-Palestine rally attended by tens of thousands. The rally aimed to demand a ceasefire and criticize President Biden's backing of Israel.

Macklemore took the stage following a gathering of thousands in the nation's capital on Saturday, November 4. The demonstrators accused President Joe Biden and other American officials of genocide and chanted, "From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free."

During his speech, the 'Glorious' singer criticized Israel's retaliatory actions, acknowledging that he might not be the most "qualified" person to speak on the matter.

“They told me to be quiet, they told me to do my research, to go back, that it’s too complex to say something, to be silent in this moment,” the hip-hop artist said, according to Daily Mail.

“In the last three weeks, I’ve gone back and I have done some research, I’m teachable... I don’t know everything, but I know enough to know that this is a genocide.”

Two weeks ago, Macklemore first expressed his support for Palestinians on Instagram, saying he could no longer "stay silent."

The rapper stated that he did not endorse "the killing of innocent individuals in retaliation," but he expressed his deep sympathy for the Israelis who had lost their loved ones.

“This is why I am supporting the people around the world who are calling for a ceasefire. We are witnessing an unfolding genocide in Palestine at this very moment,” he asserted.

Demonstrators wave Hezbollah flag at DC protest

The large-scale demonstration is the most recent protest against Israel's shelling of Gaza, which the state's health ministry reports has killed over 9,250 Palestinians so far.

At the demonstration, among the crowd of protesters, Hezbollah flags were raised, signifying a solemn event in which the emblem of the militant organization was applauded outside the White House.

When the march arrived at the Oval Office, some protesters attempted to climb over the White House fence while the contentious slogan, "From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free," echoed in the background.

The Israeli Embassy claims that before the protest, anti-Semitic graffiti such as "Death to Israel" and "Glory to our martyrs" was also painted on buildings in Washington, DC.

The protesters are demanding an end to US military aid to Israel and calling for an end to the retaliatory attacks that Gaza has faced since the terror attack by Hamas on October 7, resulting in the loss of 1,400 lives.

Chants of "Allahu akbar" and "f*** Joe Biden" were heard as the protest marched toward the White House, where red hand prints were later seen pressed onto walls near the presidential residence.

Internet reacts to Macklemore's address

After Macklemore's address surfaced on social media, several users slammed him for supporting Palestine amid the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas.

“Thank you for Googling it for five minutes before speaking, @Macklemore. You’re the real hero,” one user said.

“What is a Macklemore? Sounds like a smelly kind of fish,” another user wrote.

A user slammed, “He needs to do a hell of a lot more research!”

“Respectfully why is he even up there? Great intentions, but do we need celebrities vs community leaders and scholars compared to someone who just learned about this?” another user said.

A user also stated, “Should have stopped at 'I don’t know everything' or just said the obvious, he doesn’t know anything.”

One more wrote, “Jew haters say …wut. Last time I buy your music. I’m sure most people who aren’t Jew haters like you and your fluff boy will agree. Bye to your careers 👋👋.”