Supporters of Macklemore's controversial new pro-Palestine music video "Hind's Hall" are crying foul over YouTube's handling of the clip.
The streamer has labeled it as an "age-restricted video" based on its community guidelines. Before the clip plays, it's proceeded by a warning that says, "The following content may contain graphic or violent imagery. Viewer discretion is advised." To view the video, users on YouTube must click "I understand and wish to proceed."
The clip, the rapper shared on his social media accounts on Monday (May 6), is available to view on X, formerly Twitter, and Instagram with no such warnings or restrictions.
The song is named for 6-year-old Hind Rajab, who was reportedly killed by the Israeli military. Her name was adopted by the protesters who took over Columbia University's Hamilton Hall and renamed it "Hind's Hall," in tribute to Rajab.
Macklemore's video for the song shows clips of protests in support of Palestinians along with footage of police breaking up the protests, politicians, and those wounded in Gaza during Israel's war with Hamas in wake of the Oct. 7 attacks on Israel.
As of this writing, the clip has received more than 28 million views on X, formerly Twitter, and more than 2.2 million likes on Instagram. On YouTube, it has more than 658,000 views, which has some fans crying foul.
"The ironic thing about censorship is that, the more they do it, the more interest it generates, bringing otherwise nonchalant people into the conversation. That's exactly who we need to tip the scales in our favour. Yes, Big Tech, continue censoring (amplifying) our voices! Let's go!!" wrote one YouTube user.
Another wrote, "F--- Youtube for trying to censor this."
Yet another claimed, "YouTube didn't put age restrictions on songs of two different Israeli artists calling death on Palestinians and threatening Dua Lipa and Bella Hadid, but they put on an age restriction on this. Sounds right."
Music Times was unable to verify those claims.
Macklemore and YouTube have yet to comment on the situation.
