Macklemore’s pro‑Palestine remarks at Ed Sheeran concert spark venue and advocacy group backlash
During two shows at MetLife Stadium, Macklemore opened for Ed Sheeran and displayed footage from Gaza while calling for a free Palestine, prompting the Israeli‑American Council to launch a petition urging Sheeran to remove him from the tour. He said the backlash involved pressure from groups such as Stop Antisemitism, the Israeli American Council and the Anti‑Defamation League. Macklemore also claimed that billionaire stadium owner Robert Kraft warned that Kraft Group venues would bar the tour if he remained on the lineup. Several stadium operators have indicated they would not host him, and the dispute has highlighted how political statements can affect major concert tours and venue bookings.
How this was covered
- Left-leaning outlets covered this 26h later
Why it matters
The episode shows how political activism on a high‑profile music stage can trigger organized pushback and influence venue decisions, affecting both artists and fans.
How this story developed
- Sep 6 Macklemore's pro-Palestine remarks at Ed Sheeran concert spark IAC backlash
- Sep 14 Macklemore said Robert Kraft warned that Kraft Group venues would bar the tour if he stayed on the lineup.
