Politics
Macklemore was dropped from Ed Sheeran US Loop tour after saying Free Palestine on stage. Robert Kraft confirmed he contacted other stadium owners. They gave Sheeran an ultimatum.
NewsOnScale Staff
September 16, 2026
Rapper Macklemore has been dropped from the remainder of Ed Sheeran US Loop tour after saying Free Palestine on stage at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on September 4 and 5. New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft confirmed he played a role in the decision.
What Happened
Macklemore opened for Sheeran at MetLife Stadium wearing a keffiyeh, showed footage of destruction in Gaza, performed his song Hind's Hall, and led the crowd in Free Palestine chants. The song includes lyrics accusing Israel of genocide.
Following the shows Kraft contacted Sheeran. According to Macklemore's account — which Kraft's statement did not dispute — Kraft told Sheeran that Macklemore would not be allowed to perform at Gillette Stadium, which Kraft owns. Kraft then contacted other stadium owners.
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, Macklemore wrote on Instagram.
Sheeran dropped Macklemore from the remaining tour dates.
What Kraft Said
Kraft confirmed his involvement in a statement. Gillette Stadium has a longstanding commitment to providing a welcoming environment for all guests and ensuring that events held at our venue do not provide a platform for hate speech, Kraft said.
Kraft added that the decision was not about diminishing the suffering of innocent Palestinians or denying anyone the right to advocate on their behalf.
What Macklemore Said
Macklemore said he and Sheeran ended their conversations in a place of fundamental disagreement. He told me that the words Free Palestine and the image of the Palestinian flags were hurtful to a lot of people he spoke with, Macklemore wrote.
Macklemore said whatever consequences any of us face for what we say, we get to go home to our families. The real victims are the Palestinian people.
The Documented Facts
A private citizen who owns stadiums contacted other private stadium owners and collectively presented a touring artist with an ultimatum — drop this opening act or lose access to our venues.
No law was broken. Private venue owners can decide who performs at their property.
What is documented is that coordinated economic pressure from a group of stadium owners, organized by one billionaire, resulted in an artist being removed from a major tour for two words spoken on stage.
DISCLOSURE: NewsOnScale is an independent media publication operated by AMILLI AI CORP. JJ Johnson is the founder of AMILLI AI CORP and a declared candidate for President of the United States in 2028. All facts in this article are drawn from NBC News, Variety, Billboard, and ClutchPoints reporting published September 14-16 2026.