Overview

• Felix Klein, Germany's Antisemitism Commissioner, has strongly criticized Macklemore's scheduled performance at the Deichbrand Festival, describing it as 'intolerable.'
• Klein argues that Macklemore's lyrics and imagery contribute to antisemitic hate speech, particularly in the cultural sector, which has seen increased incidents since October 2023.
• The Central Council of Jews has also expressed concerns, warning that the festival may no longer be a safe space for Jewish attendees.
• Macklemore's history of political activism, including pro-Palestinian demonstrations and controversial lyrics, has drawn accusations of trivializing the Holocaust and promoting conspiracy theories.
• Deichbrand Festival organizers have defended their lineup, emphasizing their zero-tolerance policy on discrimination and commitment to addressing the criticisms seriously.