Robert Kraft Bans Macklemore From Tour Over "Hate Speech" Claims

General24 sourcesSep 18, 2026

BalancedFactual rigor 55/100

The Story

Robert Kraft, owner of the New England Patriots and Gillette Stadium, stated Friday that he opposes dangerous lies, not free speech, regarding his decision to remove rapper Macklemore from two Ed Sheeran shows later this month.

Kraft pledged $2 million toward humanitarian aid in the Israel-Gaza region but maintained the ban. Macklemore was removed from Ed Sheeran's "The Loop" tour after he used his stage to advocate for Palestinian freedom and decry a genocide in Gaza, including at a September 4 concert in New Jersey. Kraft contacted Sheeran and the tour promoter, stating Macklemore would not be welcome at Gillette Stadium due to his statements and a broader history of antisemitic rhetoric and imagery.

Kraft reportedly rallied other NFL venue owners, including David Tepper, Arthur Blank, and Jeffrey Lurie, to ban the rapper. Following Macklemore's removal, all other opening acts, Finneas, Lukas Graham, and Aaron Rowe, as well as Sheeran's backing band, quit the tour in solidarity. Kraft responded by announcing his $2 million donation, stating he matched a donation from Ed Sheeran to fight this humanitarian crisis.

Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez denounced Kraft's decision as censorship, while "Real Time" host Bill Maher pushed back against the genocide lie. Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy praised Kraft for having a spine. Legal experts suggest Kraft could face legal exposure for banning Macklemore. Macklemore apologized in May 2014 for performing in a costume that featured antisemitic tropes.

What they agree on

Robert Kraft, owner of Gillette Stadium, removed rapper Macklemore from two upcoming Ed Sheeran shows.
Kraft's decision stemmed from Macklemore's pro-Palestinian statements and what Kraft deemed "hate speech" or "antisemitic rhetoric and imagery."
Macklemore challenged Kraft to match his $1 million donation to Palestinian organizations, and Kraft responded by pledging $2 million for humanitarian aid.
All other opening acts and Ed Sheeran's backing band left the tour in solidarity with Macklemore.
Macklemore had previously apologized in 2014 for wearing a costume that evoked antisemitic imagery.

Where they split

Some outlets, such as Fox News and The Daily Wire, frame Kraft's decision as opposing "dangerous lies" and praise him for "having a spine" amid "antisemitic rant" accusations.
Other outlets, including The Boston Globe, frame Kraft's action as "censorship" and question if he could face legal exposure for banning Macklemore over his views.
Breitbart News highlights Iran-friendly media's promotion of Macklemore's "pro-Palestinian" feud and links Macklemore's chosen recipient, UNRWA, to Hamas.
The Jewish Telegraphic Agency focuses on the details of Kraft's $2 million pledge and the politically fraught implications for Jewish groups regarding Gaza relief efforts.