Billionaire Robert Kraft Confirms Role in Removing Rapper Macklemore from Ed Sheeran Tour

Billionaire businessman Robert Kraft, owner of the New England Patriots, has confirmed he pressured the organizers of Ed Sheeran's tour to remove rapper Macklemore due to his "antisemitic statements." Kraft's confirmation came on Monday, corroborating Macklemore's own account of behind-the-scenes pressure, according to Israel National News.

The controversy began after Macklemore's performance at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, where he openly supported Palestinians, calling Israel's actions "genocide" and shouting "Free Palestine" while images from Gaza were displayed. This sparked sharp criticism from Jewish and pro-Israel organizations, including the American-Israeli Council (IAC), which called for Macklemore's removal from the tour. Pop star Pink also joined the criticism.

Sheeran's North American promoter told Rolling Stone on Monday that Macklemore was removed because some venues refused to host concerts with him. Macklemore himself stated on social media that Kraft was behind his ousting, claiming Sheeran had informed him that Kraft would not allow him to perform at his stadium and had convinced other venue owners to issue the same ultimatum.

Kraft later confirmed his involvement, explaining that Gillette Stadium has a long-standing policy against broadcasting hate speech from its stage, and Macklemore's remarks crossed that line. He stated that Macklemore's participation in concerts on September 25 and 26 at his stadium would have violated this policy.

Kraft emphasized that his decision is not against Palestinians, noting his support for economic and sports projects for them and his respect for their right to express their views. However, he believes this support should not involve silence regarding the actions of Hamas, an organization designated as terrorist by the US, EU, UK, Canada, and Japan. Kraft also offered Macklemore a personal meeting to discuss their differences.