Macklemore's 'anti-Semitic Jew costume' apology accepted by Anti-Defamation League

The organisation has called the incident 'a tempest in a teapot' and moved on

Macklemore donned this offensive fancy dress costume for a Seattle gig (Twitter)

Macklemore’s statement apologising for his ‘anti-Semitic Jew costume’ has been accepted by the Anti-Defamation League, who work to protect Jewish people from prejudice.

The US rapper donned a fake dark wig, beard and nose for a Seattle gig last week, prompting accusations of racism.

But the 30-year-old insisted he did not intent to mock Jewish culture and that his offensive fancy dress was “random”.

Abe Foxman, ADL director, responded: “We welcome Macklemore’s apology for wearing a costume that, regardless of his motives, reminded many people of an anti-Semitic caricature.

“We take him at his word that he did not have any ill intent and unreservedly accept his apology."

The ADL also noted Macklemore's past gay rights activism, such as when he performed "Same Love" with Ryan Lewis at the Grammys as dozens of gay couples married.

"We know that Macklemore is someone who has used his platform in the past to stand up and speak out against intolerance and bigotry, particularly homophobia," Foxman continued. "With that in mind we believe that this matter is little more than 'a tempest in a teapot' over an unfortunate choice of wardrobe."

But not everyone has been quite so forgiving. Actor Seth Rogen tweeted his disdain for the “Thrift Shop” star’s excuses, arguing that if he “told someone to put together an anti-Semitic Jew costume, they’d have that exact shopping list”.

Macklemore has since added a postscript to his online post, writing: “Out of a negative can come a positive. Through this situation I’ve got hip to some incredible groups like the ADL and I encourage people to check out the great work they, and others like them, do.”

Read more about the Anti-Defamation League here.