Kraft bars Macklemore from Gillette Stadium after pro-Palestinian performance
Reporting and findings
- reported
Kraft confirmed that Gillette Stadium would not allow Macklemore to open for Ed Sheeran, citing what Kraft described as antisemitic rhetoric and imagery. Macklemore alleged that Kraft rallied other stadium owners to threaten the remaining tour dates; the promoter and Sheeran confirmed that multiple venues refused the lineup, but Kraft did not publicly confirm organizing those venues.
- Associated Press: Macklemore is dropped from Ed Sheeran's tour over pro-Palestinian comments onstageAP September 14 and 15 reports, statements from Kraft, Macklemore, Sheeran and promoter
- Associated Press: Ed Sheeran's tour in trouble after opening acts drop out in solidarity with rapper MacklemoreAP September 14 and 15 reports, statements from Kraft, Macklemore, Sheeran and promoter
Summary and current status
Macklemore removed from tour; Kraft confirms venue ban and disputes the speech's acceptability
People and organizations
- The Kraft GroupOwner of Gillette Stadium
- Robert KraftVenue owner who confirmed the Gillette Stadium ban
Relationships in this file
- Robert KraftControlled venue decision through stadium ownershipThe Kraft Group