Patriots Owner Kraft Bans Rapper Macklemore from Ed Sheeran Shows Over Antisemitism

Robert Kraft, owner of the New England Patriots and Gillette Stadium, has decided to remove rapper Macklemore from the lineup of opening acts for Ed Sheeran's upcoming concerts at the stadium. Kraft stated that the venue is committed to providing an inclusive environment and will not provide a platform for hate speech.

Kraft cited Macklemore's recent actions, including materials presented during Sheeran's shows in New Jersey and a history of antisemitic rhetoric and imagery, as reasons for the decision. He explained that Macklemore's participation in the September 25th and 26th shows at Gillette Stadium would cross a line, causing significant pain and offense to the Jewish community.

Macklemore had previously expressed strong pro-Palestinian views during his September 4th and 5th performances at MetLife Stadium, calling for Palestinian freedom and performing a song describing Israeli actions as "genocide." He announced on social media that Sheeran informed him of Kraft's decision and that Kraft had allegedly influenced other stadium owners to take similar actions, leading to his removal from the tour.

Kraft, who is Jewish, emphasized that his decision does not diminish the suffering of innocent Palestinians or deny anyone the right to advocate for them. He acknowledged their pain and loss but stressed that advocacy should not come at the expense of the Jewish community or obscure Hamas's responsibility, an organization designated as a terror group globally. Kraft noted his long-standing support for Palestinians through various initiatives.

Kraft, founder of the Foundation to Combat Antisemitism, expressed his commitment to fighting antisemitism and hate. He stated his respect for Sheeran and his ability to unite people, and expressed a willingness to discuss the facts with Macklemore, believing their ultimate goal of peace and an end to hate is shared.

The production company Messina Touring Group confirmed they were notified by venues that Macklemore's inclusion would lead to cancellations, impacting hundreds of thousands of fans.