Robert Kraft, Gillette Stadium boot Macklemore from Ed Sheeran tour over ‘Free Palestine’ rant

Macklemore is learning the hard way that concertgoers paying top dollar for stadium shows do not want a lecture on Middle Eastern geopolitics from the guy who wrote "Thrift Shop."

Macklemore was kicked off Ed Sheeran’s U.S. stadium tour after multiple venues refused to host him following his pro-Palestinian speeches and performances at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. The fallout escalated when New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft barred him from performing at Gillette Stadium, where Sheeran is scheduled to play Sept. 25 and 26.

The rapper opened Sheeran’s shows at MetLife on Sept. 4 and 5. Macklemore wore a keffiyeh, showed footage of destruction in Gaza, performed "Hind’s Hall" and led the crowd in "Free Palestine" chants. The song includes lyrics accusing Israel of genocide. ---More...

Rapper Macklemore says he has been dropped from Ed Sheeran's tour after turning the stage into his own political soapbox.

Macklemore says Robert Kraft told Sheeran that the rapper must be dropped or he wouldn't be able to perform at Gillette Stadium.

"Ed also told me that… pic.twitter.com/ebBggt36um

— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg)September 14, 2026

Rapper Macklemore says he has been dropped from Ed Sheeran's tour after turning the stage into his own political soapbox.

Macklemore says Robert Kraft told Sheeran that the rapper must be dropped or he wouldn't be able to perform at Gillette Stadium.

"Ed also told me that Kraft had rallied some of the other stadium owners, and collectively they gave him an ultimatum: if Macklemore stays on the tour, you will not be allowed to play in our venues," the rapper claimed.

"Ed was in a f*cked up position. He knew it. His typical apolitical stance was being challenged in a way it never had been before. He told me that the words."

"I told him that if [Free Palestine] was more offensive than tens of thousands of Palestinian children being killed by Israel, then there was a fundamental disconnect between where those people stood and where I stood. But he couldn't get past his public-facing, 'I don't take sides.'"