Robert Kraft removes Macklemore from Ed Sheeran shows over alleged antisemitic rhetoric

New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft said Macklemore had been removed as the opening act for Ed Sheeran’s 25 and 26 September concerts at Gillette Stadium, citing what he described as alleged antisemitic rhetoric and imagery. Kraft, who also owns the stadium, said the venue had a longstanding commitment to providing a welcoming environment and would not provide a platform for hate speech.

Kraft said the decision followed Macklemore’s recent actions, material shared from the stage during Sheeran’s New Jersey shows and what he characterised as a broader history of rhetoric he believed had been offensive and hurtful to the Jewish community.

Macklemore had expressed support for Palestinians and performed “Hind’s Hall” at MetLife Stadium shows on 4 and 5 September. The song describes Israel’s actions in the region as genocide, an accusation Israel has rejected. Macklemore said criticism of Israel and opposition to alleged genocide were not criticism of Jewish people.

Macklemore said Sheeran told him Kraft would not allow him to perform at Gillette Stadium and that he was subsequently dropped from the tour. His claim that Kraft had rallied other stadium owners was not independently confirmed.

Promoter Messina Touring Group said venues had notified it that they would not allow Macklemore on the lineup, warning that the tour could be cancelled and affect hundreds of thousands of fans. The source does not establish whether the wider tour was formally cancelled.

Kraft founded the Foundation to Combat Antisemitism in 2019, later renamed the Blue Square Alliance Against Hate. He said opposing antisemitism and Hamas should not prevent advocacy for Palestinians, and said he would welcome a discussion with Macklemore focused on peace, an end to suffering and an end to hate.