Macklemore Says Billionaire Robert Kraft Organized His Removal From Ed Sheeran’s Tour

0:01Robert Kraft: This episode is brought to you by Google Chrome. You think you know a browser, but Gemini and Chrome? That's new. It can help you with practically anything on the web, like restoring a vintage motorcycle from a 50-page restoration block, or finally break down that long article you've had open for weeks. Gemini and Chrome is here for it. Ready to make anything online make sense? There's no place like Chrome. Check responses set up required, compatibility and availability varies 18+.

0:26Macklemore: On Monday, rapper Macklemore claimed that Robert Kraft, the billionaire New England Patriots owner, orchestrated his removal from Ed Sheeran's U.S. Loop Tour after the rapper made Free Palestine remarks at two shows in New York this month. In an Instagram post, Macklemore shared that Sheeran notified him of a call from Kraft, who said that the rapper was prohibited from taking the stage at Gillette Stadium. The venue was owned by Kraft's family, and the rapper further alleged that the billionaire mobilized several other stadium owners against him as well. Other stadiums that reportedly took issue with Macklemore performing include Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, AT &T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, and Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida.

1:13Macklemore: The promoter of Sheeran's tour said that venues for future dates, quote, will not allow a concert to take place with Macklemore on the lineup, which would result in the cancellation of the tour and impact hundreds of thousands of fans. In his own response, Kraft said his decision was informed by, quote, a broader history of rhetoric and imagery that we believe has been deeply offensive and hurtful to the Jewish community. Throughout his career, Macklemore has championed social causes and has openly supported Palestinians since 2023. He has defended his comments, saying that criticism of Israel is not a criticism of Jewish people at large.

1:52Macklemore: On Tuesday, Ed Sheeran also released a statement claiming that Macklemore being removed from the tour was, quote, the promoter's decision. For more on this story, check out the article at the link in the description.

2:27Robert Kraft: We'll be right back.