Macklemore, known for his song “Thrift Shop,” faced backlash during his participation in Ed Sheeran’s U.S. stadium tour. The artist, legally known as Benjamin Haggerty, experienced resistance from venues due to his pro-Palestinian speeches and performances.
At MetLife Stadium, Macklemore donned a keffiyeh, displayed footage of Gaza, and chanted “Free Palestine.” This prompted stadium owners, including Robert Kraft of Gillette Stadium, to bar his participation, citing the message as offensive to the Jewish community.
Robert Kraft, who owns Gillette Stadium, emphasized the importance of a welcoming environment free from hate speech. Following Macklemore’s controversial actions and what was described as a history of anti-Semitic rhetoric, Kraft decided against his performance on upcoming tour dates.
Tour promoter Messina Touring Group confirmed Macklemore’s removal from eight of the ten remaining U.S. tour dates. These events were primarily scheduled at NFL stadiums.
“This decision is not about diminishing the suffering of innocent Palestinians or denying advocacy,” Kraft stated. “But such advocacy should not harm the Jewish community or obscure Hamas’s responsibilities.”
Kraft invited Macklemore for dialogue, stressing the shared goal of achieving peace and ending hatred. Macklemore acknowledged Sheeran’s difficult position and refuted Kraft’s accusations of hate speech in a social media response.
Zoe Kazan’s Journey with ‘East of Eden’ 
Pete Davidson Criticizes NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani Over BQE Construction 
Chris Hansen Criticizes Hollywood’s Portrayal in ‘Primetime’ 
Monet Mazur’s Home Targeted in Hollywood Hills Burglary Attempt 
Dwayne Johnson Pays Tribute to Late Wrestler Benjamin Satterley 
David Cerda Celebrates 25 Years of Stage Success with ‘Joan Crawford Goes to Hell’