Sep 15, 2026 12:59pm IST
Macklemore Addresses Being Dropped From Ed Sheeran’s Tour, Blames Businessman Robert Kraft For Rallying Stadium Owners
Benjamin Hammond Haggerty, aka Macklemore, will not be performing during the upcoming shows of Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour. The American rapper was dropped from the gigs over his “Free Palestine” speech at the MetLife Stadium concert, which was held in New Jersey on September 4.
The 43-year-old has since shared a lengthy update on his Instagram account, reiterating his stance about the ordeal and detailing Robert Kraft’s hand in having him banned from performing at Gillette Stadium. He wrote, “Ed told me that Robert Kraft called him. We were scheduled to play Gillette Stadium later this month, which is owned by the Kraft Group. Ed told me that Kraft said I would not be allowed to perform in his stadium. 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.”
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The musician also addressed Sheeran’s “typical apolitical stance” and what his own views have cost him, “Taking a side can cost you. Money, brand deals, sponsorships, festivals, private shows, relationships and access. I’ve lost all of those things.”
Kraft told Variety that he is open to discussing the matter with Macklemore. He shared his reasoning for having the rapper removed, calling his remarks “crossing a line.” “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,” the CEO of the Kraft Group said.
So far, Haggerty has not responded to Kraft’s call for discussion. No replacement for the rapper has been announced for Sheeran’s upcoming shows as of now, with fans rallying on both ends, some in support of the remarks, while others want to keep politics out of music.
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