American billionaire Robert Kraft confirmed he pressured pop star Ed Sheeran to drop rapper Macklemore from his U.S. stadium tour, citing what he described as a broader history of antisemitic rhetoric and imagery. According to statements from Kraft, Sheeran, and Macklemore published in September 2024, the conflict erupted after Macklemore delivered a pro-Palestine speech during a concert at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Robert Kraft Confirms Pressure on Ed Sheeran Over Macklemore Tour
Robert Kraft, the Jewish-American billionaire owner of the New England Patriots and Gillette Stadium, acknowledged that he intervened to prevent Macklemore from performing as an opening act on Ed Sheeran’s tour. Gillette Stadium, located in Foxborough, Massachusetts, was slated to host a stop on the tour in late September 2024. According to Macklemore’s statement on Instagram, Sheeran informed him that Kraft had rallied other stadium owners to issue an ultimatum: if Macklemore remained on the bill, the venues would block the tour from playing.
In his public statement, Kraft did not address the claims of lobbying other owners, but defended his decision to bar the rapper from Gillette Stadium. The decision was based on Macklemore’s actions during the New Jersey shows and a broader history of rhetoric that Kraft deemed deeply offensive to the Jewish community. Kraft stated that while the move was not about diminishing Palestinian suffering, advocacy should not come at the expense of the Jewish community or obscure the actions of Hamas.
Ed Sheeran Denies Responsibility for Tour Removal
Ed Sheeran addressed the controversy in an Instagram post on Tuesday, confirming that Macklemore had been removed from the lineup but denying personal responsibility for the decision. According to Sheeran, the removal was finalized by the promoter, Messina Touring Group, and the venues holding the contracts. Sheeran stated that after Macklemore’s performances at MetLife Stadium, venues on the upcoming tour route communicated that they would pull their shows if the rapper continued to perform.
Sheeran explained that he spent the week speaking at length with venues, promoters, and activists to find a resolution, including conversations with Robert Kraft. However, Sheeran emphasized that the final decision rested with the venues and the promoter. “Macklemore coming off tour was the promoter’s decision, it was not mine,” Sheeran wrote, adding that he chose to continue the tour to protect the livelihoods of his touring crew, musicians, and fans.
Macklemore Defends Free Palestine Statements
The controversy began when Macklemore opened for Sheeran at MetLife Stadium. During his set, the rapper told the crowd, “Free Palestine,” and mentioned the West Bank, Gaza, Sudan, and other conflict zones. He also performed his protest song “Hind’s Hall,” which honors Hind Rajab, a five-year-old killed in Gaza.
Following the performance, the Israeli-American Council launched a petition to drop Macklemore from the tour. In his response on Instagram, Macklemore defended his remarks, stating that wanting all humans to be treated equally should never be controversial. He also noted that Sheeran was placed in a difficult position by venue owners wielding ultimatums.
Did you know? Robert Kraft was awarded the $1m Genesis Prize, often called the “Jewish Nobel Prize,” in 2019 for his professional excellence and philanthropic support of Jewish and Israeli causes, including his funding with more than $20m of the “Stand Up to Jewish Hate” campaign.
Venue Standards and Broader Industry Reactions
This event follows a series of high-profile stances by Robert Kraft regarding pro-Palestinian advocacy. In the spring of 2024, Kraft suspended his financial contributions to Columbia University following student encampment protests against Israel’s military campaign in Gaza. Kraft stated at the time that he was no longer confident the university could protect its students and staff.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Macklemore dropped from Ed Sheeran’s tour?
According to statements from venue owners and promoters, Macklemore was removed because of pro-Palestine statements and performances he delivered during the opening shows of Ed Sheeran’s U.S. tour at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
What role did Robert Kraft play in the removal?
Robert Kraft, owner of Gillette Stadium, confirmed that he decided to bar Macklemore from performing at his venue, citing offensive rhetoric directed at the Jewish community. Macklemore also alleged that Kraft rallied other venue owners to threaten cancelling the tour if the rapper remained on the bill.
Did Ed Sheeran make the decision to drop Macklemore?
No. According to Ed Sheeran’s public statement, the removal was a final decision made by the tour promoter and the venues holding the contracts, not by Sheeran himself.
How has Macklemore responded to the cancellation?
Macklemore defended his statements on Instagram, stating that advocating for equality and saying “Free Palestine” should not be controversial, while also acknowledging that Sheeran was placed in a difficult position by venue ultimatums.
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