Macklemore says his recent comments about Palestine have cost him a spot on Ed Sheeran’s U.S. tour. The rapper claims powerful stadium owners pressured Sheeran after his statements at recent shows. He shared his side of the dispute in a lengthy Instagram post on Monday, Sept. 14. He also opened up about his difficult conversations with Sheeran.
Macklemore alleges Robert Kraft and other stadium owners pressured Ed Sheeran to drop him following his pro-Palestine comments
According to Macklemore, New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft contacted Sheeran after the rapper spoke about Palestine at MetLife Stadium. Kraft allegedly told Sheeran that Macklemore could not perform at Gillette Stadium, where Sheeran has shows on Sept. 25 and 26. Macklemore also states that Kraft reached out to other stadium owners. He says they gave Sheeran an ultimatum: if Macklemore stays on the tour, you will not be allowed to play in our venues.
Macklemore says Sheeran then told him that Kraft and other venue owners objected to his comments. He said the situation led to several difficult talks with Sheeran, whom he has known for 13 years and considers a brother. Sheeran told him that “Free Palestine” and the Palestinian flag had angered people he spoke to. Sheeran also repeated, “I don’t take sides,” he said.
Macklemore said he understood that Sheeran faced a “fed up position.” Still, he disagreed with Sheeran’s neutral approach to the situation in Gaza. “I don’t take sides,” Sheeran reportedly told him, while Macklemore argued that there was no neutral position. Macklemore hopes their friendship will continue after the dispute.
Macklemore also said he and other celebrities involved in the controversy are not victims. “The victims are the Palestinian people,” he wrote, referring to people he said have faced death, hunger and displacement. He added that he did not need all 10 shows and only wanted a few stadium-sized chances to say “Free Palestine.” His latest statement now puts his version of the tour dispute directly in the spotlight.
