Macklemore Blames Robert Kraft For His Removal From Ed Sheeran’s Tour

Key Facts

Macklemore said in an Instagram post he was told by Sheeran last week that Kraft called him to inform the singer that Macklemore would not be allowed to perform at Gillette Stadium, which the Kraft family’s Kraft Sports Group owns.

Macklemore added in the post, “Ed also told me that Kraft had rallied some of the other stadium owners” and gave him an ultimatum: “if Macklemore stays on the tour, you will not be allowed to play in our venues.”

Messina Touring Group, the promoter of Sheeran’s tour, said in a statement to Rolling Stone on Monday that venues on upcoming dates “will not allow a concert to take place with Macklemore on the lineup, which would result in the cancellation of the tour and impact hundreds of thousands of fans.”

Stadiums including Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, and Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida, were among those that reportedly objected to Macklemore’s inclusion as the tour is scheduled to resume Friday in Philadelphia.

Kraft confirmed his decision in a statement to multiple outlets and said it was informed by “a broader history of rhetoric and imagery that we believe has been deeply offensive and hurtful to the Jewish community.”

Forbes has reached out to the Kraft Group and the Patriots for comment.

What Did Macklemore Say?

Macklemore said during Sheeran’s New York show on Sept. 4 that one of the reasons he joined the tour was because it allowed him to “stand up here on stages and stadiums across America and say two words that are very near and dear to my heart: ‘Free Palestine.’” The comment was made as an introduction to his song “Hind’s Hall,” a song supporting pro-Palestinian protests that took place at Columbia University a few years ago during which protesters renamed Columbia’s Hamilton Hall to “Hind’s Hall” in honor of Hind Rajab, a young girl who was killed in Gaza in 2024.

Key Background

Pro-Israel groups including StopAntisemitism and the Israeli American Council blasted Macklemore’s set, with the latter organization circulating a petition demanding Sheeran cut him from the lineup. Macklemore defended his comments following the initial remarks, telling Jewish attendees during another show, “To all of my Jewish brothers and sisters: criticism of Israel, criticism of apartheid, being against genocide in no way is a criticism of you,” saying his comments were made “for peace, love and for all human beings to be treated with dignity, respect and equality.” The rapper has championed many social causes throughout his career and has openly supported Palestinians since 2023. He attended a demonstration in support of Palestinians in 2024, marching alongside protesters who gathered at intersections near the 96th Academy Awards. That same year, he released “Hind’s Hall,” accusing Israel of genocide and donating proceeds from the song to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency. He also performed at a “Palestine Will Live Forever” benefit concert in Seattle.

TANGENT

Kraft founded his Foundation to Combat Antisemitism in 2019 and reportedly pledged to match a $100 million donation made to the non-profit in 2023.

Further Reading

Macklemore Defends ‘Free Palestine’ Remarks At Ed Sheeran Concert Despite Growing Backlash (Forbes)