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B’nai B’rith International has issued the following statement:

A costume choice by singer Macklemore, in which he wore a hook nose while singing a song about frugality called “Thrift Shop,” is deeply offensive and propagates Jewish stereotypes.

In response to complaints about the costume, Macklemore tweeted: “A fake witches nose, wig, and beard = random costume. Not my idea of a stereotype of anybody.”

His costume choice and subsequent response demonstrate an utter lack of sensitivity. Stereotypes are dangerous and offensive. Stereotypes dehumanize—removing individuality and promoting intolerance.