A shocking break-in occurred at anti-police rapper Macklemore’s residence in Seattle when two unidentified men in masks forced their way into the property, allegedly assaulted the nanny with bear spray, and made off with thousands of dollars in luxury goods.
Celebrity’s sleeping children put in harm’s way during terrifying break-in
The 41-year-old artist, whose legal name is Benjamin Haggerty, was not at the Capitol Hill property when the home invasion occurred on Saturday evening.
According to reports from law enforcement and media, the intruders entered through a patio door just after the rapper’s nanny had put his three children to bed.
The nanny, who was the only adult present in the house at the time, told police she saw the two masked individuals as they entered the home.
She was immediately sprayed in the face with bear repellent. In a bizarre twist, she told the police that one of the intruders appeared remorseful, saying he looked “fearful” and began to help her clear her eyes “for some unexplainable reason.”
Despite the unexpected moment of hesitation, the other suspect aggressively demanded to know where the “jewels” were stored in the home.
According to the police report, the nanny assisted in guiding them to the valuables.
The suspects allegedly seized high-end watches, designer shoes, and various pieces of jewelry belonging to the “Thrift Shop” artist.
Nanny fled home during break-in
The nanny also told authorities that she was thrown to the ground and had her phone taken before managing to run out of the residence.
During her escape, she said she bit one of the assailants and fled the house, eventually reaching a neighbor’s front door.
One of the neighbors the nanny approached during her escape mistook her for a burglar and also contacted the police.
Doorbell footage obtained by TMZ captures the frantic moment she arrived, pounding on the entrance and pleading: “Help, please!”
After knocking on several doors in the neighborhood, she was finally let inside one residence and was able to contact 911.
Seattle police arrived at the scene, but the perpetrators had already fled with the valuables.
The nanny described the men as wearing gloves, tactical-style vests, and face coverings. She said she did not see any firearms, according to the official report.
Although the intruders escaped before law enforcement could apprehend them, investigators reportedly discovered clothing and a can of bear spray discarded near the scene.
Surveillance video reviewed by authorities shows the masked men exiting the property.
The Seattle Police Department confirmed that the suspects made off with items worth several thousand dollars, though an exact figure was not disclosed.
While the official report did not name the homeowner, citing only a “high-profile individual,” records indicate the address matches the one associated with Macklemore’s voter registration.
TMZ and other outlets have linked the home to the Grammy-winning rapper.
Fortunately, none of Macklemore’s children were harmed during the incident.
They have since been placed under the care of relatives, according to authorities.
The nanny, while shaken, did not sustain any significant injuries and did not require hospitalization, as confirmed by local law enforcement.
At the time of the break-in, Macklemore was reportedly performing overseas.
He appeared on stage in Frankfurt, Germany on Sunday, indicating that he was likely out of the country when the burglary occurred.
Macklemore shares anti-police sentiment
The incident follows recent controversies surrounding the Seattle-born rapper.
In 2024, Macklemore faced backlash for remarks he made during a pro-Palestinian event in Seattle titled “Palestine Will Live Forever.”
During the performance, which was intended to raise funds for multiple organizations including the UNRWA, an entity Israeli officials have associated with Hamas, he made an anti-American statement.
“Straight up, say it — I’m not gonna stop you; I’m not gonna stop you. Yeah, F–k America,” apparently in response to chants from the audience.
Following the fallout, organizers of Las Vegas’s first-ever Neon City Festival announced that Macklemore had been removed from the event’s lineup. No formal explanation was provided for his exclusion.
The rapper later issued a statement via Instagram, writing, “My thoughts and feelings are not always expressed perfectly or politely. Sometimes I slip up and get caught in the moment. Saturday night was one of those times.”
Macklemore also drew anti-law enforcement sentiment with lyrics from his 2024 track “HIND’S HALL,” in which he declares, “F–k the police.”
