Patriots Owner Robert Kraft Bars Macklemore From Gillette Stadium Concerts

Robert Kraft removed Macklemore as an opening act for Ed Sheeran’s September 25 and 26 shows at Gillette Stadium due to what he described as a history of antisemitic rhetoric.

New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft announced Monday that rapper Macklemore has been removed as the opening act for Ed Sheeran’s concerts at Gillette Stadium on September 25 and 26. Kraft stated the decision was based on Macklemore’s recent actions at MetLife Stadium on September 4 and 5, where the 43-year-old artist shared pro-Palestinian views and performed the protest song "Hind's Hall." According to a statement shared with ESPN, Kraft cited a history of antisemitic rhetoric and imagery as the reason for the removal, asserting that the venue will not provide a platform for hate speech.

Macklemore reported via social media that Sheeran informed him of the ban, claiming Kraft also rallied other stadium owners to take similar action. Consequently, the rapper has been dropped from the tour. The promoter, Messina Touring Group, confirmed to Rolling Stone that several venues notified them they would not allow the concert to proceed with Macklemore on the lineup, a move that would have resulted in the cancellation of the entire tour. The tour was scheduled for stops at Lincoln Financial Field, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Lucas Oil Stadium, Bank of America Stadium, AT&T Stadium, and Raymond James Stadium.

Kraft, the 85-year-old founder of the Blue Square Alliance Against Hate, clarified that his decision was not intended to diminish the suffering of Palestinians but to stand against the actions of Hamas. During his New Jersey performances, Macklemore stated that his criticism of Israel and apartheid was not a criticism of Jewish people. Kraft has offered to sit down with the rapper to discuss the facts surrounding the conflict and their shared goal of ending human suffering.