Macklemore Says Kraft Led Effort to Remove Him from Ed Sheeran's Tour
Macklemore responded to his removal from Ed Sheeran's Loop Tour, alleging that Patriots owner Robert Kraft pressured stadium owners to drop him. He stated that the real victims are the Palestinian people, not himself or Sheeran. Messina Touring Group confirmed that venues threatened to cancel shows if Macklemore remained on the lineup.
Macklemore’s removal followed his Sept. 4 onstage “free Palestine” message at MetLife Stadium, which prompted an Israeli-American Council petition. Messina Touring Group said venues threatened cancellations if he stayed, while Macklemore alleged Robert Kraft coordinated other stadium owners to pressure Ed Sheeran. He described difficult conversations with Sheeran, who cited the hurtfulness of the phrase and flag, and noted Pink also faced backlash after reposting a removal call. Macklemore stressed he and Sheeran are not victims, pointing to Palestinian civilians as the true sufferers.
This dispute may sharpen public debate over artists’ political speech versus commercial pressures, especially in live entertainment. Venue owners and promoters could face increased scrutiny for prioritizing business relationships over performers’ free expression. Fans may become more polarized, with some boycotting tours and others rallying behind artists’ stances. The episode could also influence how other musicians weigh activism against career risks, potentially chilling or emboldening statements on contentious global issues.