Foxborough, Massachusetts — The controversy surrounding Macklemore’s removal from Ed Sheeran’s tour has grown beyond the concert lineup, after several performers withdrew and Robert Kraft said Macklemore would not be allowed to perform at Gillette Stadium.
Kraft, the owner of the New England Patriots and Gillette Stadium, said the decision was based on Macklemore’s recent remarks and material that he believed crossed a line for the Jewish community. Kraft also cited what he described as a broader history of antisemitic rhetoric and imagery.
Sheeran has said Macklemore’s removal was the promoter’s decision rather than his own. In a statement, Sheeran said Macklemore’s contract was with the promoter and said he was not complicit in the decision. He also said he would continue with the tour because he did not want to disappoint fans or abandon touring crew members, support acts and other musicians who depend on the shows for their livelihoods.
The dispute followed Macklemore’s pro-Palestinian comments during a New Jersey performance, including his call of “Free Palestine.” Four supporting acts — Finneas, Aaron Rowe, Beoga and Lukas Graham — subsequently withdrew from Sheeran’s tour in solidarity with Macklemore.
Kraft’s comments have added another dimension to the dispute, as Sheeran’s tour is scheduled to perform at Gillette Stadium on September 25 and 26. Kraft said Macklemore’s participation in those concerts would cross the line he had set for events at the stadium.
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