New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft isn't backing down from his stance. After Macklemore revealed that he was one of the biggest influences that led to him being nixed from Ed Sheeran's tour.
Pats Owner Responds After Macklemore Puts Him on Blast
To bring things up to speed, Macklemore came under fire. After he made pro-Palestinian remarks during his set on Sheeran's tour earlier this month. On Monday (September 14), it was revealed that the Thrift Shop creator had been removed from the remaining eight tour dates that he was scheduled to appear on.
Following the announcement, Macklemore said that the Patriots owner contacted Sheeran directly. Kraft said that he did not want the artist performing at Gillette Stadium. He also said that he felt that Macklemore's remarks were promoting "hate speech."
"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," Kraft said in a statement on
Kraft, Other Owners Made Pact & Offered Ultimatum to Sheeran
Macklemore also revealed that Kraft reached out to several other NFL Owners who owned the teams of the stadiums where he and Sheeran were set to appear. Together, Kraft and the owners made a pact. And essentially offered an ultimatum. Remove Macklemore or cancel the remainder of the tour.
Kraft says that the decision was not part of an effort to diminish the suffering that Palestinians are going through. But rather, the decision was made because he felt that Macklemore's comments were inaccurate and biased.
"This decision is not about diminishing the suffering of innocent Palestinians. Or denying anyone the right to advocate on their behalf. Their pain and loss are real," Kraft added. "But that advocacy should not come at the expense of the Jewish community. Or obscure the responsibility of Hamas, a United States and globally (including Canada, the European Union, the United Kingdom, and Japan) designated terrorist organization. Whose horrific actions have caused immeasurable suffering for Palestinians and Israelis alike."
At the time of writing, Macklemore has not responded to Kraft's Comments
