Robert Kraft, Gillette Stadium boot Macklemore from Ed Sheeran tour over ‘Free Palestine’ rant
Macklemore Removed from Ed Sheeran’s U.S. Stadium Tour Amid Pro-Palestinian Controversy
Foxborough, Mass. — Rapper Macklemore has been removed from Ed Sheeran’s ongoing U.S. stadium tour following a wave of backlash over his pro-Palestinian messaging during recent performances, prompting a broader debate about political expression in mainstream entertainment.
The decision came after multiple venue operators declined to host Macklemore, citing concerns over his stage content and past controversies. Among those pulling the plug was Robert Kraft, owner of the New England Patriots and operator of Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, where Sheeran is set to perform on September 25 and 26.
Macklemore first drew public attention during Sheeran’s shows at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on September 4 and 5. During those performances, he wore a keffiyeh, displayed footage of destruction in Gaza, performed his song “Hind’s Hall,” and led the audience in “Free Palestine” chants. The song contains lyrics accusing Israel of committing genocide, a claim that has sparked intense criticism from some listeners and advocacy groups.
In a statement issued to ESPN, Kraft condemned Macklemore’s actions, calling them deeply offensive to the Jewish community.
“Gillette Stadium has a longstanding commitment to providing a welcoming environment for all guests and ensuring that events held at our venue do not provide a platform for hate speech,” Kraft said. “Based on Macklemore's recent actions, material shared from the stage during Ed Sheeran's shows in New Jersey, and a broader history of anti-Semitic rhetoric and imagery that we believe has been deeply offensive and hurtful to the Jewish community, we determined that his participation in the September 25th and 26th shows would not be permitted.”
Kraft, who founded the Foundation to Combat Antisemitism in 2019, emphasized that opposing hate and supporting innocent civilians should go hand in hand.
“This decision is not about diminishing the suffering of innocent Palestinians or denying anyone the right to advocate on their behalf,” he said. “But that advocacy should not come at the expense of the Jewish community or obscure the responsibility of Hamas, a designated terrorist organization whose horrific actions have caused immeasurable suffering.”
He concluded, “I would welcome the opportunity to sit down with Macklemore and discuss the facts, because ultimately our goal is the same: peace for all people, an end to suffering, and an end to all hate.”
The tour’s promoter, Messina Touring Group, later confirmed that Macklemore would be removed from all remaining U.S. dates. At least eight of the remaining ten stops are scheduled at NFL stadiums, many of which reportedly expressed discomfort with his inclusion following the MetLife shows.
Macklemore, whose real name is Ben Haggerty, addressed his removal on social media, thanking Sheeran for the opportunity while placing blame on venue operators and Kraft.
“The platform I was given allowed me to speak to tens of thousands of people about something I deeply care about — justice for the Palestinian people,” he wrote. “I don’t regret using my voice. I know this isn’t easy for Ed, and I appreciate his support. But I won’t stay silent while innocent lives are lost.”
He did not directly address Kraft’s accusations but reiterated that he stood by his messages and was prepared for consequences.
The controversy reignited scrutiny of Macklemore’s past, particularly a 2014 performance in Seattle where he appeared onstage wearing a fake beard, wig, and prosthetic nose. The Anti-Defamation League and other civil rights organizations at the time condemned the look as reminiscent of anti-Semitic caricatures. Macklemore previously dismissed the criticism, suggesting the costume was coincidental and not intended to offend.
Critics of Macklemore’s recent remarks have also pointed to what they see as a one-sided narrative that fails to acknowledge the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks on Israel, which killed over 1,200 people and triggered the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Despite the backlash, Macklemore has maintained that his activism is rooted in humanitarian concerns and that artists have a responsibility to speak out on global injustices.
The fallout highlights growing tensions within the entertainment industry over how public figures navigate politically charged topics — especially those involving the Israel-Hamas conflict — and whether such commentary belongs in spaces designed primarily for music and entertainment.
Sheeran has not publicly commented further on the situation beyond expressing understanding for the positions taken by various stakeholders involved.