Macklemore’s “Free Palestine” speech and removal from Ed Sheeran’s U.S. tour
Read Macklemore's 'Free Palestine' speech excerpts and the full transcript source. Compare the promoter's venue statement with his account of leaving Ed Sheeran's U.S. tour.
Case period:
Published by The Dispute Index editorial teamPublished Updated
Overview
At September 4 and 5 MetLife Stadium shows, Macklemore called for a free Palestine before singing “Hind’s Hall,” with Gaza and campus-protest imagery. His posted speech distinguished criticism of Israel from criticism of Jewish people. Critics said an opening act should not use a headliner’s stadium audience for one-sided political advocacy; the Israeli-American Council sought his removal. On September 14, Messina Touring Group (opens in a new tab) said upcoming venues had told it they would not allow a concert with Macklemore on the lineup, so he would not perform the remaining U.S. support dates. Macklemore said he disagreed with but understood the decision, and attributed it to broader venue-owner coordination. Macklemore’s September 14 statement (opens in a new tab) On September 17, the Wall Street Journal reported (opens in a new tab) that Robert Kraft told Sheeran in a 40-minute call that three other owners — David Tepper, Arthur Blank and Jeffrey Lurie — would not allow Macklemore at their venues either. Kraft is the only one of the four who has confirmed this in his own words.
People in this case
MacklemoreDirectly involved
Ed SheeranDirectly involved
Robert KraftDirectly involved
Ari EmanuelCommented
Timeline
32 timeline entries on this page. Dates: September 4, 2026 to October 8, 2026
September 2026
Macklemore delivers the first MetLife speech
Incident
Opening for Ed Sheeran, Macklemore calls for a free Palestine and introduces “Hind’s Hall” with Gaza and campus-protest imagery.
[01]Macklemore’s complete MetLife speech and response
Source excerpt
Wanting all humans to be treated equal should never be controversial.
First-party post containing the complete introductions from both MetLife performances and Macklemore’s response to criticism.
[02]Full transcript of Macklemore’s MetLife speech
Source excerpt
Criticism of Israel, criticism of apartheid, being against genocide in no way is a criticism of you.
Reporting that reproduces the full speech, including Macklemore’s direct address to Jewish listeners and the IAC response.
Macklemore addresses Jewish listeners during the second show
Claim
He repeats the performance and says criticism of Israel, apartheid, and genocide is not criticism of Jewish people.
[01]Macklemore’s complete MetLife speech and response
Source excerpt
Wanting all humans to be treated equal should never be controversial.
First-party post containing the complete introductions from both MetLife performances and Macklemore’s response to criticism.
[02]Full transcript of Macklemore’s MetLife speech
Source excerpt
Criticism of Israel, criticism of apartheid, being against genocide in no way is a criticism of you.
Reporting that reproduces the full speech, including Macklemore’s direct address to Jewish listeners and the IAC response.
StopAntisemitism condemns the performance
Reaction
The organization calls the set anti-Israel propaganda and later seeks apologies and refunds for concertgoers.
[03]StopAntisemitism statement and video about Macklemore’s MetLife set
Source excerpt
Jewish patrons should not be subjected to this propaganda.
Organization post showing the performance and characterizing it as anti-Israel propaganda; P!nk later reposted related text without adding case-specific commentary.
[04]Boy George criticizes Macklemore as Paloma Faith offers support
Source excerpt
Slogans such as “Free Palestine” offer the appearance of moral courage without requiring much political knowledge.
Reporting that preserves Boy George’s direct criticism, Paloma Faith’s “My Hero” reshare, and the text P!nk amplified from StopAntisemitism.
IAC seeks Macklemore’s removal from the tour
Reaction
The IAC petitions Sheeran and tour organizers for removal, advance-approval disclosures, and clearer limits on political use of the stage.
[05]Israeli-American Council petition to Ed Sheeran and Loop Tour organizers
Source excerpt
This was an Ed Sheeran concert—not a political rally, not a protest, and not an activist event.
Public petition requesting Macklemore’s removal, disclosure of advance approval, and boundaries on political messaging during the tour.
ADL characterizes the set as hostile anti-Israel activism
Reaction
The ADL says Jewish and Israeli attendees encountered biased and hateful activism at a concert.
[06]Anti-Defamation League statement on Macklemore’s MetLife set
Source excerpt
They came for a concert, not performative, biased and hateful anti-Israel “activism” from his opener, Macklemore.
First-party ADL post characterizing the performance and describing its perceived effect on Jewish and Israeli concertgoers.
[07]IAC urges Ed Sheeran to drop Macklemore after anti-Israel act
Source excerpt
This is completely unacceptable.
Reporting that preserves attributed statements from the IAC, ADL, and StopAntisemitism, including text from their posts.
Macklemore publishes the complete speech
Source release
Macklemore posts the full video and restates his equal-treatment framing.
[01]Macklemore’s complete MetLife speech and response
Source excerpt
Wanting all humans to be treated equal should never be controversial.
First-party post containing the complete introductions from both MetLife performances and Macklemore’s response to criticism.
P!nk amplifies StopAntisemitism without adding a position
Reaction
P!nk reposts the organization’s criticism but supplies no case-specific explanation of which claims she adopts.
[04]Boy George criticizes Macklemore as Paloma Faith offers support
Source excerpt
Slogans such as “Free Palestine” offer the appearance of moral courage without requiring much political knowledge.
Reporting that preserves Boy George’s direct criticism, Paloma Faith’s “My Hero” reshare, and the text P!nk amplified from StopAntisemitism.
Boy George condemns while Paloma Faith endorses
Reaction
Boy George attacks the slogan and presses Sheeran to respond; Paloma Faith reshares Macklemore’s complete video as “My Hero.”
[04]Boy George criticizes Macklemore as Paloma Faith offers support
Source excerpt
Slogans such as “Free Palestine” offer the appearance of moral courage without requiring much political knowledge.
Reporting that preserves Boy George’s direct criticism, Paloma Faith’s “My Hero” reshare, and the text P!nk amplified from StopAntisemitism.
Messina Touring Group says Macklemore will not perform remaining Loop Tour support dates
Rolling Stone UK and Stereogum reported that Messina Touring Group said venue objections to Macklemore’s participation would otherwise result in concert cancellations and that he will not perform the remaining U.S. Loop Tour support dates. The reports attribute the decision to the promoter and do not establish an independent decision by Ed Sheeran.
[08]Rolling Stone UK reports Macklemore will not perform remaining Loop Tour support dates
Source excerpt
Macklemore will not be performing on the remaining support dates.
Rolling Stone UK reports that Messina Touring Group said venue objections to Macklemore’s participation would lead to concert cancellations and said he will not perform the remaining Ed Sheeran Loop Tour support dates. The report attributes the decision to the promoter; it does not establish an independent decision by Ed Sheeran.
Rolling Stone UK reports Macklemore will not perform remaining Loop Tour support datesReport quoting Messina Touring Group’s statement on the remaining U.S. Loop Tour support dates[09]Stereogum reports Macklemore’s removal from remaining Ed Sheeran tour support dates
Source excerpt
Macklemore will not be performing on the remaining support dates.
Stereogum independently reports the promoter's statement that Macklemore will not perform the remaining dates as Ed Sheeran's support act after venues objected to his participation.
Stereogum reports Macklemore’s removal from remaining Ed Sheeran tour support datesReport reproducing Messina Touring Group’s statement on Macklemore’s remaining tour datesKraft says Gillette Stadium will not host Macklemore at its Loop Tour dates
Reaction
Kraft said Gillette Stadium determined that Macklemore’s planned support appearances at Ed Sheeran’s September 25 and 26 dates would cross its stated line against platforming hate speech.
[10]WHDH reports Robert Kraft’s statement on Macklemore at Gillette Stadium
Source excerpt
We determined that his participation in the September 25th and 26th concerts at Gillette Stadium would cross that line.
WHDH reproduces a statement attributed to Robert Kraft concerning Macklemore’s planned appearances at Gillette Stadium. It establishes the attributed statement and the venue-specific decision, not a tour-wide decision by other venues.
WHDH reports Robert Kraft’s statement on Macklemore at Gillette StadiumParagraph beginning “In a statement, Robert Kraft said”; full statement follows.[11]Associated Press reports Robert Kraft’s statement on Macklemore’s Gillette Stadium appearances
Source excerpt
Their pain and loss are real.
AP independently reports Kraft’s statement concerning Macklemore’s planned Gillette Stadium appearances. It corroborates the statement’s attribution but does not establish Macklemore’s account of communications among venue owners.
Associated Press reports Robert Kraft’s statement on Macklemore’s Gillette Stadium appearancesKraft-statement paragraphs describing the Gillette Stadium decision and his statement.Ed Sheeran says the decision to drop Macklemore was the promoter’s
Reaction
Sheeran posted a statement saying venues told him they would pull dates, that he spoke with venue owners including Robert Kraft to try to keep Macklemore on the tour, and that the promoter made the final decision. He said Macklemore’s contract was with the promoter rather than with him.
[12]Ed Sheeran Breaks Silence on Macklemore Leaving Tour: Venue, Promoter Made ‘Final’ Decisions
Source excerpt
“I was also involved in direct talks with promoters along with activists on both sides to try and find a mutual resolution for all, but the venue’s and promoter’s decision was final.”
Rolling Stone quotes at length from the statement Ed Sheeran posted to Instagram on September 15, 2026. We could not read the original post; the wording here is the outlet’s transcription, corroborated independently by NBC News.
Ed Sheeran Breaks Silence on Macklemore Leaving Tour: Venue, Promoter Made ‘Final’ DecisionsParagraphs quoting the Instagram statement.[13]Ed Sheeran addresses Macklemore’s tour exit amid Robert Kraft boycott claims
Source excerpt
“I am not complicit. I have my personal views on this devastating conflict.”
NBC News reports Sheeran’s September 15 Instagram statement and rounds up public figures who voiced support for Macklemore, including Kneecap and the mayor of Dearborn. Published 11:03 a.m. ET and updated 3:18 p.m. ET on September 15, 2026.
Ed Sheeran addresses Macklemore’s tour exit amid Robert Kraft boycott claimsPassages quoting Sheeran, Aaron Rowe, Ms. Rachel, Kneecap, Mayor Hammoud and Rep. Jayapal.The Loop Tour is left without any supporting acts
Reaction
By the end of September 15 all four remaining supporting acts had withdrawn, leaving the tour with no opening acts. Beoga had also performed inside Ed Sheeran’s own set, and Aaron Rowe and Lukas Graham had been due to replace Macklemore on the remaining U.S. dates.
[14]Finneas, Lukas Graham Leave Ed Sheeran Tour After Macklemore’s Removal
Source excerpt
“Artists must not be silenced when they speak up for the oppressed.”
Rolling Stone reports the withdrawal of Ed Sheeran’s remaining supporting acts and quotes their Instagram statements. We could not read the original posts.
Finneas, Lukas Graham Leave Ed Sheeran Tour After Macklemore’s RemovalParagraphs quoting Finneas and Lukas Graham.[15]Four supporting acts quit Ed Sheeran tour after Macklemore’s removal for pro-Palestinian comments
Source excerpt
“We are Irish people who understand colonialism.”
The Globe and Mail reports the four withdrawals and quotes the statements of Aaron Rowe and Beoga, noting that Rowe and Lukas Graham had been due to replace Macklemore and that Beoga performed inside Sheeran’s own set.
Four supporting acts quit Ed Sheeran tour after Macklemore’s removal for pro-Palestinian commentsParagraphs quoting Aaron Rowe and Beoga.[16]Finneas and other acts exit Ed Sheeran tour to protest Macklemore being dropped over pro-Palestinian remarks
Source excerpt
“Money doesn’t give you the right to own the conversation.”
NBC News reports the withdrawals and quotes Finneas, Lukas Graham and Beoga, including the Irish-language caption on Beoga’s post.
Finneas and other acts exit Ed Sheeran tour to protest Macklemore being dropped over pro-Palestinian remarksParagraphs quoting Finneas, Lukas Graham and Beoga.Aaron Rowe withdraws as a Loop Tour support act
Reaction
Aaron Rowe announced on Instagram that he was withdrawing as a support act on the North American leg, praising Sheeran personally while saying he could not stand by while billionaires silenced voices speaking out over Palestine. He had been among the acts due to replace Macklemore on the remaining U.S. dates.
[17]Aaron Rowe’s September 15 Instagram statement withdrawing from Ed Sheeran’s tour
Aaron Rowe’s own account, @aaronrowe__, announcing his withdrawal as a support act. The body of the statement is published as images rather than caption text, so the wording we quote is taken from news transcription of those images.
Aaron Rowe’s September 15 Instagram statement withdrawing from Ed Sheeran’s tourStatement image post.[15]Four supporting acts quit Ed Sheeran tour after Macklemore’s removal for pro-Palestinian comments
Source excerpt
“We are Irish people who understand colonialism.”
The Globe and Mail reports the four withdrawals and quotes the statements of Aaron Rowe and Beoga, noting that Rowe and Lukas Graham had been due to replace Macklemore and that Beoga performed inside Sheeran’s own set.
Four supporting acts quit Ed Sheeran tour after Macklemore’s removal for pro-Palestinian commentsParagraphs quoting Aaron Rowe and Beoga.[13]Ed Sheeran addresses Macklemore’s tour exit amid Robert Kraft boycott claims
Source excerpt
“I am not complicit. I have my personal views on this devastating conflict.”
NBC News reports Sheeran’s September 15 Instagram statement and rounds up public figures who voiced support for Macklemore, including Kneecap and the mayor of Dearborn. Published 11:03 a.m. ET and updated 3:18 p.m. ET on September 15, 2026.
Ed Sheeran addresses Macklemore’s tour exit amid Robert Kraft boycott claimsPassages quoting Sheeran, Aaron Rowe, Ms. Rachel, Kneecap, Mayor Hammoud and Rep. Jayapal.Beoga leaves the Loop Tour
Reaction
Beoga announced on Instagram that it was leaving the tour, citing Irish history and its role in the Irish Artists for Palestine movement, and saying it would not play venues that silence advocacy for Palestine. The band had performed within Sheeran’s own set. The post was captioned “A statement from us all. Saoirse don Phailistín.”
[18]Beoga’s September 15 Instagram statement leaving Ed Sheeran’s tour
Source excerpt
“A statement from us all. Saoirse don Phailistín 🇵🇸”
Beoga’s own account, @beogamusic, announcing the band’s departure from the tour. The caption matches the wording reported by NBC News. The body of the statement is published as images rather than caption text, so the quoted wording is taken from news transcription of those images, not from the post itself.
Beoga’s September 15 Instagram statement leaving Ed Sheeran’s tourPost captioned “A statement from us all. Saoirse don Phailistín 🇵🇸”; statement carried in the post’s images.[15]Four supporting acts quit Ed Sheeran tour after Macklemore’s removal for pro-Palestinian comments
Source excerpt
“We are Irish people who understand colonialism.”
The Globe and Mail reports the four withdrawals and quotes the statements of Aaron Rowe and Beoga, noting that Rowe and Lukas Graham had been due to replace Macklemore and that Beoga performed inside Sheeran’s own set.
Four supporting acts quit Ed Sheeran tour after Macklemore’s removal for pro-Palestinian commentsParagraphs quoting Aaron Rowe and Beoga.[16]Finneas and other acts exit Ed Sheeran tour to protest Macklemore being dropped over pro-Palestinian remarks
Source excerpt
“Money doesn’t give you the right to own the conversation.”
NBC News reports the withdrawals and quotes Finneas, Lukas Graham and Beoga, including the Irish-language caption on Beoga’s post.
Finneas and other acts exit Ed Sheeran tour to protest Macklemore being dropped over pro-Palestinian remarksParagraphs quoting Finneas, Lukas Graham and Beoga.Lukas Graham withdraws from the remaining Loop Tour dates
Reaction
Lukas Graham announced on Instagram that the band was withdrawing from the remaining dates, apologising to fans and arguing that wealth should not determine who is allowed to speak. The band had been among the acts due to replace Macklemore.
[19]Lukas Graham’s September 15 Instagram statement withdrawing from Ed Sheeran’s tour
Lukas Graham’s own account, @lukasgraham, announcing the band’s withdrawal from the remaining dates.
Lukas Graham’s September 15 Instagram statement withdrawing from Ed Sheeran’s tourStatement image post.[14]Finneas, Lukas Graham Leave Ed Sheeran Tour After Macklemore’s Removal
Source excerpt
“Artists must not be silenced when they speak up for the oppressed.”
Rolling Stone reports the withdrawal of Ed Sheeran’s remaining supporting acts and quotes their Instagram statements. We could not read the original posts.
Finneas, Lukas Graham Leave Ed Sheeran Tour After Macklemore’s RemovalParagraphs quoting Finneas and Lukas Graham.[16]Finneas and other acts exit Ed Sheeran tour to protest Macklemore being dropped over pro-Palestinian remarks
Source excerpt
“Money doesn’t give you the right to own the conversation.”
NBC News reports the withdrawals and quotes Finneas, Lukas Graham and Beoga, including the Irish-language caption on Beoga’s post.
Finneas and other acts exit Ed Sheeran tour to protest Macklemore being dropped over pro-Palestinian remarksParagraphs quoting Finneas, Lukas Graham and Beoga.Finneas withdraws from his upcoming Ed Sheeran dates
Reaction
Finneas announced on Instagram that he was withdrawing from his upcoming dates supporting Ed Sheeran, saying artists must not be silenced for speaking up for the oppressed. NBC News reported that his statement came roughly an hour after Aaron Rowe’s. He had been due to support Sheeran on the South American leg from November.
[20]Finneas’s September 15 Instagram statement withdrawing from Ed Sheeran’s tour
Finneas’s own account, @finneas, announcing his withdrawal from his upcoming Ed Sheeran dates. The body of the statement is published as images rather than caption text, so the wording quoted in our record is taken from news transcription of those images, not read from the post itself.
Finneas’s September 15 Instagram statement withdrawing from Ed Sheeran’s tourStatement image post.[14]Finneas, Lukas Graham Leave Ed Sheeran Tour After Macklemore’s Removal
Source excerpt
“Artists must not be silenced when they speak up for the oppressed.”
Rolling Stone reports the withdrawal of Ed Sheeran’s remaining supporting acts and quotes their Instagram statements. We could not read the original posts.
Finneas, Lukas Graham Leave Ed Sheeran Tour After Macklemore’s RemovalParagraphs quoting Finneas and Lukas Graham.[16]Finneas and other acts exit Ed Sheeran tour to protest Macklemore being dropped over pro-Palestinian remarks
Source excerpt
“Money doesn’t give you the right to own the conversation.”
NBC News reports the withdrawals and quotes Finneas, Lukas Graham and Beoga, including the Irish-language caption on Beoga’s post.
Finneas and other acts exit Ed Sheeran tour to protest Macklemore being dropped over pro-Palestinian remarksParagraphs quoting Finneas, Lukas Graham and Beoga.Macklemore pledges $1M to six Palestinian relief groups; Kraft and Sheeran each commit $2M “to aid in the region”
Reaction
Two days after his removal from the tour, Macklemore pledged $1 million, described as his net earnings from the tour, to six named organizations supporting Palestinians and invited Robert Kraft to match it. The Palestine Children's Relief Fund confirmed on its verified account that it is one of the six recipients and said the gift would fund medical care for injured and critically ill children in Gaza and across Palestine. In a statement posted by the Gillette Stadium X account, Kraft said Ed Sheeran had called him earlier that day and asked him “to commit $2 million to match his donation to aid in the region to fight this humanitarian crisis,” and that Sheeran planned to approach other venue owners. Kraft’s statement names no recipient organization, and Sheeran’s $2 million is known through Kraft’s account; reporting noted that neither had specified where the money would go. The combined figure of $5 million therefore covers three pledges with different stated destinations.
[21]Macklemore invites Robert Kraft to match $1M pledge to Palestinian relief
Source excerpt
Whatever we disagree about, perhaps we can agree on this: Palestinian lives are worth protection. A Palestinian life is no less valuable than any life on this earth. ... Ed now plans to reach out to other venue owners and our goal is to continue to work together to build bridges.
NBC News report (via NBC Chicago, byline Doha Madani) on Macklemore's $1M Palestinian-relief pledge and invitation to Robert Kraft to match it, and Kraft's response statement (issued via the Gillette Stadium X account) describing a $2M match coordinated with Ed Sheeran.
[22]Gillette Stadium posts full statement from Robert Kraft
Source excerpt
I have dedicated much of my life to building bridges between all people. I believe deeply that all lives are worth protecting. Earlier today, before Macklemore challenged me to match his donation, Ed called me and asked me to commit $2 million to match his donation to aid in the region to fight this humanitarian crisis. Ed now plans to reach out to other venue owners and our goal is to continue to work together to build bridges. In addition, I'd like the people who are speaking in support of the Palestinian people to know that for decades, I have supported efforts that create opportunity for Palestinians and have brought young Palestinians and Israelis together to build businesses, create jobs, and forge relationships.
Gillette Stadium's official X account posting the full text of Robert Kraft's statement responding to Macklemore's donation challenge and Ed Sheeran's request for a matching pledge.
[23]PCRF confirms it is among the six recipients of Macklemore's $1M pledge
Source excerpt
Today Macklemore announced he's donating the entire $1 million of his net earnings from Ed Sheeran's Loop Tour to six organizations supporting the Palestinian people, including PCRF.
First-party post from the verified X account of the Palestine Children's Relief Fund, timestamped 4:58 PM on September 16, 2026. It thanks Macklemore and confirms PCRF is one of the six named recipient organizations, saying the gift will fund medical care for injured and critically ill children in Gaza and across Palestine. It establishes PCRF's receipt and its own description of the intended use; it does not address Macklemore's MetLife remarks or his removal from the tour.
PCRF confirms it is among the six recipients of Macklemore's $1M pledge
Reaction
The Palestine Children's Relief Fund thanked Macklemore on its verified X account and confirmed it is one of the six organizations receiving his $1 million pledge, described as the entire net earnings from his run on Ed Sheeran's Loop Tour. PCRF said the gift would help it bring medical care to injured and critically ill children in Gaza and across Palestine. This is the first named recipient to confirm receipt publicly; Kraft's and Sheeran's separate $2 million pledges name no recipient organization. The post addresses the donation only and takes no position on Macklemore's MetLife remarks or his removal from the tour.
[23]PCRF confirms it is among the six recipients of Macklemore's $1M pledge
Source excerpt
Today Macklemore announced he's donating the entire $1 million of his net earnings from Ed Sheeran's Loop Tour to six organizations supporting the Palestinian people, including PCRF.
First-party post from the verified X account of the Palestine Children's Relief Fund, timestamped 4:58 PM on September 16, 2026. It thanks Macklemore and confirms PCRF is one of the six named recipient organizations, saying the gift will fund medical care for injured and critically ill children in Gaza and across Palestine. It establishes PCRF's receipt and its own description of the intended use; it does not address Macklemore's MetLife remarks or his removal from the tour.
Sheeran loses nearly half a million Instagram followers as protesting acts gain over a million
Reaction
Social Blade data cited by the Washington Times shows Sheeran's Instagram account lost nearly 150,000 followers on September 15 and another 98,000-plus on September 16, in the days after he dropped Macklemore from his tour. Over the same period, the five artists who quit the tour in protest gained a combined 1.638 million followers.
[24]The Washington Times
Source excerpt
Sheeran's Instagram account lost nearly 150,000 followers on September 15... His follower count dropped by another 98,000-plus on September 16.
Reporting, citing Social Blade tracking data, that Sheeran lost nearly half a million Instagram followers in the days after dropping Macklemore from his tour, while the five artists who quit in protest gained a combined 1.638 million followers over the same period.
Ed Sheeran loses half a million Instagram followers after Macklemore debacle · The Washington TimesFull article citing Social Blade data on Sheeran's Instagram follower losses.Philly Palestine Coalition and Shut Down D&Z announce protest outside Sheeran's Lincoln Financial Field show
Reaction
The Philly Palestine Coalition and Shut Down D&Z announced on social media a protest outside Ed Sheeran's September 19, 2026 show at Lincoln Financial Field, timed to 4:30 p.m., in response to Macklemore's removal from the tour.
[25]TMZ: Philly Palestine Coalition plans protest outside Ed Sheeran's Philadelphia show
Source excerpt
Ed Sheeran's Philly show is facing a planned pro-Palestine protest after Macklemore got dropped from his tour. Philly Palestine Coalition tells TMZ it's urging supporters to gather outside the September 19 show.
TMZ exclusive report that the Philly Palestine Coalition is urging supporters to gather outside Ed Sheeran's September 19, 2026 Philadelphia show in response to Macklemore's removal from the tour.
[26]Billy Penn: Pro-Palestine groups announce protests outside Ed Sheeran concert in Philly
Source excerpt
Free Palestine is a call to direct action. On Saturday, we take to the streets to return the conversation to Palestine, and return Philadelphia to action. Ed Sheeran plays at Lincoln Financial Field on Saturday, his first show after caving to Zionist threats and dropping Macklemore as his opening act.
Billy Penn at WHYY report directly quoting the joint social media announcement from the Philly Palestine Coalition and Shut Down D&Z of a protest outside Ed Sheeran's September 19, 2026 Lincoln Financial Field show.
Wall Street Journal reports three more NFL owners backed Macklemore's removal
The Wall Street Journal reported that Robert Kraft was not alone among NFL owners in backing Macklemore's removal from the Loop Tour, naming David Tepper of the Carolina Panthers, Arthur Blank of the Atlanta Falcons and Jeffrey Lurie of the Philadelphia Eagles. According to the WSJ account, Kraft told Ed Sheeran in a 40-minute call that the four owners would not allow Macklemore to perform at their venues, and a person familiar with the call said Kraft believed the remarks constituted hate speech rather than free speech while feeling for the Palestinian people. The WSJ also reported that owners complained after the first MetLife night and were assured Macklemore would drop references to Palestine on the second night, which he did not. Interviewed on CNN that evening, WSJ reporter Andrew Beaton added that Kraft and Sheeran have a relationship going back years and that Sheeran performed at Kraft's 2022 wedding; that Kraft told Sheeran he had not previously given to Palestinian causes; and that the other three owners had independently reached the same conclusion rather than being recruited by Kraft. Beaton said he knew of no previous occasion on which Kraft had intervened in a Gillette Stadium booking in the venue's 24 years. These accounts are attributed to the Wall Street Journal and its unnamed sources; the named owners have not addressed them publicly, and Macklemore's own account was that Kraft told him he had got the other stadium owners to remove him.
[27]TMZ: "NFL Owners Who Backed Kraft On Axing Macklemore From Ed Sheeran Tour"
Source excerpt
Despite reportedly promising not to do it again, Macklemore kept his references to Palestine in the show for the second night.
TMZ report published 7:24 AM PDT on September 17, 2026 and updated at 8:47 AM PDT, relaying a Wall Street Journal report. It names David Tepper (Carolina Panthers), Arthur Blank (Atlanta Falcons) and Jeffrey Lurie (Philadelphia Eagles) as owners who backed Robert Kraft, and reports the WSJ's account that owners were assured Macklemore would drop references to Palestine on the second MetLife night. The underlying reporting is the Wall Street Journal's; wsj.com is not reachable to verify the original directly, so the account is recorded as attributed to the WSJ rather than established.
[28]The Independent: "What Robert Kraft told Ed Sheeran in 40-min call that saw Macklemore dropped from tour"
Source excerpt
while he felt for the Palestinian people and understood it was a complicated situation, he believed that Macklemore's comments constituted hate speech—not freedom of speech
The Independent's report on the Wall Street Journal account, cited here at its Yahoo News syndication. It describes a 40-minute call in which Kraft told Ed Sheeran that he and owners Tepper, Blank and Lurie would not allow Macklemore at their venues, and carries a quotation from a person with knowledge of the conversation. The Independent notes neither Kraft nor Sheeran responded to its requests for comment. The quotation is that source's characterisation of Kraft's view, not a direct quotation of Kraft.
[29]CNN "Erin Burnett OutFront": WSJ's Andrew Beaton on the Kraft–Sheeran call
Source excerpt
those NFL owners were had independently come to the same conclusion as Robert Kraft
Segment from CNN's "Erin Burnett OutFront" posted to the programme's X account at 8:33 PM ET on September 17, 2026, interviewing Andrew Beaton, the Wall Street Journal sports reporter who broke the story of the 40-minute call between Robert Kraft and Ed Sheeran. Beaton adds detail beyond the original report: that Kraft and Sheeran have a relationship going back years and that Sheeran performed at Kraft's 2022 wedding; that Kraft told Sheeran he empathised with the plight of the Palestinian people and had not previously given to Palestinian causes; that Kraft regarded Macklemore's comments as "hate speech disguised as free speech" because they blamed Israel for genocide without addressing Hamas's role on October 7; and, significantly, that the other owners named — David Tepper, Arthur Blank and Jeffrey Lurie — had independently reached the same conclusion rather than being recruited by Kraft. Asked whether Kraft had ever intervened in a Gillette Stadium booking before in the venue's 24 years and roughly 100 concerts, Beaton said not that he knew of. Beaton's account of Kraft's reasoning is sourced to a person familiar with the call; his characterisation of Ed Sheeran as an uncontroversial act is his own.
CNN "Erin Burnett OutFront": WSJ's Andrew Beaton on the Kraft–Sheeran call3:34 segment. 00:00–00:41: presenter summary of the Wall Street Journal reporting. 00:41 onward: interview with Andrew Beaton, the Wall Street Journal sports reporter who broke the story.Ireland's Classic Hits Radio removes Ed Sheeran from its playlist
Reaction
Ireland's Classic Hits Radio, operated by Bay Broadcasting, removed Ed Sheeran's music from its playlist for the foreseeable future, effective September 17. Group programme director Dave Kelly said that as an independent Irish-owned station it was important to listen to its audience and to stand alongside Irish artists who had made a significant professional decision based on their own convictions, referring to Aaron Rowe and Beoga, who withdrew from the Loop Tour over Macklemore's removal. RTÉ reported the station acknowledged Sheeran's position that the promoter, not he, decided to drop Macklemore, and that the removal remains under review pending further listener feedback.
[30]RTÉ: "Classic Hits Radio drops Ed Sheeran from playlist"
Source excerpt
As an independent Irish-owned radio station, however, we believe it is important to listen to our audience and to stand alongside Irish artists who have made what is undoubtedly a significant professional decision based on their own convictions.
RTÉ Entertainment report of September 17, 2026 on Ireland's Classic Hits Radio, operated by Bay Broadcasting, removing Ed Sheeran's music from its playlist for the foreseeable future, effective that day. It quotes Bay Broadcasting group programme director Dave Kelly and ties the decision to listener feedback and the withdrawal of Irish acts Aaron Rowe and Beoga from the Loop Tour. It notes Sheeran's position that the promoter made the decision to drop Macklemore.
Ms. Rachel matches Macklemore's $1M donation and calls on wealthy celebrities to follow
Reaction
A day after Macklemore named the six organizations receiving his $1 million pledge and invited others to join, Ms. Rachel said she would match the donation and challenged "every wealthy white celebrity" to do the same and to speak out against what she called the genocide in Gaza, saying those with privilege and platforms have a moral obligation to protect children and human rights. On her own Threads account she confirmed she is an ambassador for the Palestine Children's Relief Fund and would be donating to it and other organizations, and wrote separately that treating the killing of children as political depending on their race is racism. She is the first public figure recorded in this case to answer Macklemore's invitation with a donation of her own. Her figure of more than 20,000 Palestinian children killed, and her characterisation of events in Gaza, are hers and are not established here.
[31]Ms. Rachel says she will donate to PCRF and other organizations
Source excerpt
I'm an ambassador for @thepcrf & will be donating to them and other organizations.
First-party post from Ms. Rachel's verified Threads account, posted on September 17, 2026, the day after Macklemore named six organizations receiving his $1 million pledge and invited others to join. A companion post on the same account that day reads: "So it's not political to say children shouldn't be killed if they are white but if they are brown or black it is? That's racism." A longer statement circulating on social media, in which she is quoted saying she will match Macklemore's donation and inviting "every wealthy white celebrity" to do the same, could not be located on her own Threads account and is not reproduced here; aggregator sites reported the match, but we found no reliable outlet confirming it, and Variety's September 16 round-up of her remarks makes no mention of a donation.
[32]Variety reports Ms. Rachel matching Macklemore's $1M donation
Source excerpt
I will match Macklemore's donation and I invite every wealthy white celebrity to match it and speak out against the genocide in Gaza.
Post from Variety's verified Threads account on September 17, 2026 reporting that Ms. Rachel is matching Macklemore's $1 million donation and quoting her statement in full. Variety's rendering matches, word for word, a quotation that had circulated earlier the same day via a third-party account; that earlier relay could not be verified against Ms. Rachel's own Threads feed, where only shorter posts about donating to PCRF were visible, so the statement is recorded here on Variety's attribution. Ms. Rachel's figure of more than 20,000 Palestinian children killed and her characterisation of events in Gaza as genocide are hers and are not established here.
Gaza artists paint a mural honoring Macklemore
Reaction
Artists Anne Redwan and Qusai al-Helo painted a mural in Gaza City depicting Macklemore wrapped in a Palestinian flag with his fist raised, captioned "Thank you for using your voice for Palestine." Redwan said the mural was meant to thank him and that she and other artists in Gaza are "waiting for support from anyone who can see the persecution we live under." A UNICEF official and a Gaza humanitarian worker separately said the attention could help sustain aid to Gaza.
[33]Reuters
Source excerpt
"We wanted to send a message to thank rapper Macklemore in this simple way," said Anne Redwan, 26, who designed and painted the mural with fellow artist Qusai al-Helo. "As an artist living under siege here in Gaza, we are waiting for support from anyone who can see (the) persecution we live under," she told Reuters.
Reuters wire report, September 18, 2026, on a mural painted in Gaza City honoring Macklemore after his removal from Ed Sheeran's tour. It also quotes Hussein Murtaja, who runs a Gaza mental-health organization for children, saying Macklemore's solidarity "matters more than the money he donated," and Toby Fricker, a UNICEF official, on the need for sustained rather than one-off support. CBS News carried the same reporting as a video segment on X; this record cites the fuller wire text via the Jerusalem Post republication, credited to Reuters and photographer Dawoud Abu Alkas.
Mural of rapper Macklemore painted in Gaza after Sheeran tour furor · ReutersReuters wire report, republished by The Jerusalem Post; also carried as a CBS News video segment.CAIR-Philadelphia demands to know who decided Macklemore could not perform at Lincoln Financial Field
Reaction
CAIR-Philadelphia published an open letter and letter-writing campaign addressed to the Philadelphia Eagles, Eagles Stadium Operator LLC, the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development, the City of Philadelphia and Lincoln Financial Group, seeking disclosure of who decided that Macklemore would not appear at the September 19 Ed Sheeran concert at Lincoln Financial Field. The letter argues the question goes beyond one artist and raises whether advocacy for Palestinian human rights can be grounds for exclusion from a venue on publicly owned property. The campaign page recorded 2,870 letters sent against a goal of 3,200.
[34]CAIR-Philadelphia
Source excerpt
This is about more than one artist or one concert. It raises serious questions about free expression, public accountability, and whether advocacy for Palestinian human rights can become grounds for exclusion from a major venue operating on publicly owned property.
The organisation's own campaign page, carrying the template letter supporters send under their own names. The letter seeks disclosure of who decided that Macklemore would not perform at the September 19 Lincoln Financial Field concert and raises the venue's location on publicly owned property.
Philadelphia Deserves Answers: Who Decided Macklemore Could Not Perform at Lincoln Financial Field? · CAIR-PhiladelphiaOpen letter and letter-writing campaign page sponsored by CAIR-Philadelphia, addressed to the Philadelphia Eagles, Eagles Stadium Operator LLC, the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development, the City of Philadelphia and Lincoln Financial Group.Resale ticket prices fall at nine of ten remaining Ed Sheeran dates as Macklemore's own show rises
Newsweek reported resale data from TicketData.com showing that prices had fallen over the preceding week at nine of the ten remaining dates on Ed Sheeran's Loop Tour. Prices for the September 19 concert at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia fell 45 percent to $75; get-in prices across remaining dates ranged from $74 to $426, and only the October 24 date in Arlington, Texas was unmoved. TicketData founder Keith Pagello noted that Sheeran's previous 17 shows had averaged a 22 percent decline in the final fortnight before the event, so the Philadelphia fall exceeded the usual pattern. Prices for Macklemore's own October 22 show at Red Rocks Amphitheatre rose 35 percent over the same period.
[35]Newsweek
Source excerpt
resale prices have fallen for nine out of the 10 shows left on Sheeran's Loop Tour over the past week, with those for Saturday's concert at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia dropping by 45 percent to $75 as of midday on Friday
Reports the measurable market effect of the dispute. Resale prices fell at nine of the ten remaining Loop Tour dates, with get-in prices ranging from $74 to $426; only the October 24 Arlington date was unmoved. TicketData founder Keith Pagello noted that Sheeran's previous 17 shows had averaged a 22 percent decline in the final two weeks, so a 45 percent fall exceeds the normal pattern, and that prices for Macklemore's own October 22 Red Rocks show rose 35 percent over the same week.
Ed Sheeran Ticket Prices Plunge After Macklemore Backlash · NewsweekNewsweek, September 18, 2026, 1:24 PM EDT, reporting resale data from TicketData.com.Snopes finds the claim that Spotify removed Ed Sheeran's music originated as satire
Correction
Snopes examined a claim, widely shared after Macklemore's removal, that Spotify had removed Ed Sheeran's music from its platform. It traced the claim to a September 14 post by an X account whose own biography describes its content as parody and satire and not real news, and found it had spread further through an Instagram repost on September 16. Snopes rated the claim "Labeled Satire" and found that Spotify had not removed Sheeran's music. This event records the boundary between documented developments in the dispute and viral material that is not.
[36]Snopes
Source excerpt
Fake stories flew online after Macklemore was removed as an opening act on Sheeran's tour for his pro-Palestine advocacy during a concert.
Documents false claims circulating about the dispute. A widely shared assertion that Spotify had removed Ed Sheeran's music from its platform originated on September 14 with an X account whose own bio describes its content as "Parody & Satire Entertainment | Not real news," and spread through an Instagram repost on September 16. Snopes found the claim untrue. We record this to mark the boundary between documented developments in this case and viral material that is not.
Did Spotify remove Ed Sheeran's music from its platform? · SnopesSnopes fact check, published September 18, 2026, rated "Labeled Satire".Ken Casey criticizes Ed Sheeran’s handling of Macklemore’s removal
Reaction
Dropkick Murphys frontman Ken Casey said in a Boston Public Radio interview that Ed Sheeran had “took the knee” rather than stood with Macklemore after Macklemore was removed from the Loop Tour, and that the outcome did not “sit right” with him. Casey framed his view around the solidarity he believes artists owe to acts they bring on tour. Rolling Stone and NME separately reported and quoted the interview; both link or embed Boston Public Radio’s video clip.
[37]Rolling Stone report on Ken Casey’s response to Macklemore’s removal from Ed Sheeran’s tour
Source excerpt
“The fact that Ed Sheeran took the knee … just doesn’t … sit right with me.”
Rolling Stone reports that Dropkick Murphys frontman Ken Casey made the quoted remarks in a Boston Public Radio interview about Macklemore’s removal from Ed Sheeran’s tour. The article embeds the broadcaster’s TikTok video and identifies the surrounding discussion.
Rolling Stone report on Ken Casey’s response to Macklemore’s removal from Ed Sheeran’s tourSeptember 18, 2026; paragraphs beginning “In an interview with Boston Public Radio” and “He added.”[38]NME report on Ken Casey’s response to Macklemore’s removal from Ed Sheeran’s tour
Source excerpt
“You live or die with the people you bring on the road. They’re your people.”
NME independently reports and quotes Ken Casey’s Boston Public Radio interview about Macklemore’s removal from Ed Sheeran’s tour. It embeds the broadcaster’s TikTok clip and gives the surrounding context for Casey’s criticism.
NME report on Ken Casey’s response to Macklemore’s removal from Ed Sheeran’s tourSeptember 19, 2026; paragraphs beginning “In a recent interview with Boston Public Radio” and “And the fact that Ed Sheeran took the knee.”The Intercept publishes tax-form analysis of Robert Kraft’s donations
Source release
The Intercept published an analysis of tax filings and political-contribution records after Kraft said he had supported efforts creating opportunities for Palestinians for decades. The article reported donations by the Kraft Family Foundation to Friends of the IDF and other organizations benefiting Israeli soldiers, as well as Kraft Group contributions to AIPAC’s United Democracy Project. It said the records did not establish whether those entities were the Palestinian–Israeli cooperation programs Kraft referenced, and Kraft and the named groups did not respond to its requests for comment.
[39]The Intercept
Source excerpt
The Intercept’s analysis of tax forms since 2006 show that Kraft’s charity group, the Kraft Family Foundation, has donated $196,000 to the Friends of the IDF
The Intercept article by Jonah Valdez reports an analysis of tax filings and political-contribution records. Its descriptions of recipient organizations and the Israel–Gaza war are attributed to the publication. The article says it is unclear whether the listed entities are the programs Kraft referenced when he said he had supported Palestinian opportunities.
Robert Kraft Claims His Donations Help Palestinians. Turns Out He’s Funding Friends of the IDF. · The InterceptSections beginning ‘Billionaire New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft’ and ‘The Intercept’s analysis of tax forms since 2006’[40]The Intercept
Source excerpt
The Intercept dug into his claim and found that he actually has spent years donating to.... Friends of the IDF and AIPAC?
The outlet’s own post promoting and summarizing Jonah Valdez’s September 18 investigation. The linked article supplies the underlying figures and limitations.
The Intercept summarizes its reporting on Robert Kraft’s donations · The InterceptPost by @theintercept, September 20, 2026, 10:24 AM EDTSheeran addresses the tour controversy before his Philadelphia concert
Reaction
At Lincoln Financial Field, Sheeran acknowledged mistakes and apologized while discussing the week's controversy. He criticized venue pre-approval of performance content and explained his decision to continue the tour. He posted video of the address on his own Instagram account.
[41]Ed Sheeran
Source excerpt
Tonight in Philadelphia
Sheeran's own account posted this video of his remarks at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia on September 19, 2026. He discusses mistakes, venue control over performance content, his decision to continue the tour, and the humanitarian situation in Israel and Palestine. The account is linked from his official website. The reel was posted at 9:25 p.m. Eastern on September 19; written quotations are corroborated by the published transcript and reporting linked to the statement.
Ed Sheeran's Philadelphia stage remarks: Tonight in Philadelphia · Ed SheeranInstagram reel DdfY7JYirtn, captioned "Tonight in Philadelphia"; video duration 3 minutes 19 seconds.[42]READ IT: Ed Sheeran's pre-concert speech to Philly crowd about the Gaza controversy
Source excerpt
I am making mistakes
Fox News publishes a transcript of Sheeran's remarks before the September 19 Philadelphia concert, alongside its video and photographs. The speech discusses mistakes, commitments to fans, venue control of performance content, and Israel and Palestine. This transcript supplies the short acknowledgment quoted in the statement; the venue-approval criticism is also reported by The Philadelphia Inquirer.
READ IT: Ed Sheeran's pre-concert speech to Philly crowd about the Gaza controversyTranscript: second paragraph on mistakes and apology; venue-preapproval paragraph immediately after his explanation for continuing the tour.[43]Ed Sheeran addresses Gaza and Macklemore controversy at Philly tour stop
Source excerpt
it should never happen in the free world
Local reporting from Sheeran's September 19 concert at Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia. The article describes his address and the concert setting, quotes his criticism of venue pre-approval of performance content, and reports his concluding appeal to an audience with differing views.
Ed Sheeran addresses Gaza and Macklemore controversy at Philly tour stopSecond article paragraph on mistakes and apology; venue-approval paragraph after the background on Robert Kraft; closing audience-unity remarks.Macklemore announces the Free Palestine Tour with dates in Dublin, Paris and London
Macklemore announced a Free Palestine Tour with dates at 3Arena in Dublin on October 26, Accor Arena in Paris on October 29 and Wembley Arena in London on October 30, saying all proceeds will benefit organizations supporting the Palestinian people and movement. Pitchfork lists twelve beneficiary organizations, including Anera, Medical Aid for Palestinians, the Palestine Children's Relief Fund, Jewish Voice for Peace and UNRWA USA. Additional artists and U.S. dates were to be announced later, and tickets were to go on sale September 30.
Source image Macklemore's annouced Free Palestine tour poster
[44]Macklemore
Source excerpt
What happened to me is bigger than one artist or one stage. When the billionaire class can decide which voices are allowed on stage and which ones are too dangerous to hear, everyone should be paying attention.
Macklemore's own post announcing a tour with dates in Dublin, Paris and London, with all proceeds going to organizations supporting the Palestinian people and movement. The attached poster lists the three dates and the logos of the beneficiary organizations.
Macklemore announces the Free Palestine Tour · MacklemoreFull X post with attached tour poster, published September 24, 2026 at 2:16 p.m. UTC[45]Pitchfork
Source excerpt
Being apolitical during a genocide doesn't work anymore. People are asking artists to show up, educate themselves and be in community.
Pitchfork's report reproduces Macklemore's full statement announcing the tour, lists the twelve organizations that will receive proceeds and says tickets go on sale September 30. It lists the Dublin date as October 25, while Macklemore's poster and website list October 26.
Macklemore Announces Free Palestine Tour (Pitchfork) · PitchforkArticle text, including Macklemore's full statement and the list of twelve beneficiary organizations[46]Macklemore
Source excerpt
Oct 26, 3Arena, Dublin, Ireland; Oct 29, Accor Arena, Paris, France; Oct 30, Wembley Arena, London, United Kingdom
The tour listing on Macklemore's website gives the three venues and dates and links to a sign-up for updates and first access to tickets.
Macklemore's official website: tour dates · MacklemoreTour section, accessed September 24, 2026: 3Arena, Dublin (Oct 26); Accor Arena, Paris (Oct 29); Wembley Arena, London (Oct 30)
October 2026
New Sheeran opening acts announced after Macklemore departure
Source release
Isaac Slade and Amiee Rosser announced upcoming appearances on Ed Sheeran's U.S. tour. People reported the new opening acts after Macklemore's departure, with Slade scheduled for Indianapolis, Charlotte, Arlington and Tampa.
[47]People reports new opening acts for Ed Sheeran tour
The report describes replacement opening acts after Macklemore's departure and lists scheduled appearances.
People reports new opening acts for Ed Sheeran tourOpening paragraphs and October 8 announcements by Isaac Slade and Amiee Rosser[48]Slade posts announcement of Sheeran appearances
Slade posts an appearance announcement. Comments under the post express readers' views; they do not establish his position on Macklemore's removal.
Slade posts announcement of Sheeran appearancesOriginal caption and announcement image
Claims
Claims separate what was said from what is contested. Follow each source for the original wording and context.
What was said
Attributed statement
Macklemore says Ed Sheeran told him that Robert Kraft would not allow Macklemore to perform at Gillette Stadium and had rallied other stadium owners to threaten to deny Sheeran access to their venues if Macklemore remained on The Loop tour.
Sources (1)
- Macklemore’s Facebook account of stadium-owner pressure over his tour removal · MacklemoreFacebook carousel, slides 4–5. Slide 4: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1641060924044001&set=pcb.1641060994043994
Attributed statement
Macklemore says Ed Sheeran told him that the phrase “Free Palestine” and the Palestinian flag were hurtful to people Sheeran had spoken with.
Sources (1)
- Macklemore’s Facebook account of stadium-owner pressure over his tour removal · MacklemoreFacebook carousel, slides 4–5. Slide 4: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1641060924044001&set=pcb.1641060994043994
What's disputed
Disputed claim
Macklemore’s MetLife message was a demand for Palestinian freedom and equal human dignity, not criticism of Jewish people.
Disputed claim
Anti-Defamation League
Macklemore’s set subjected Sheeran’s audience to performative, biased, and hostile anti-Israel activism.
Disputed claim
Israeli-American Council
An opening act should not use a headliner’s global concert platform to advance a one-sided political agenda without accountability and clear boundaries.
Disputed claim
Ed Sheeran and his team decided to remove Macklemore from the remaining Loop Tour support dates.
Sources (1)
- Macklemore’s September 14 statement about removal from Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour · MacklemoreInstagram carousel post, slides 1–4; statement says Ed Sheeran and his team removed him from The Loop Tour and explains his reaction.
Disputed claim
Truthout
Robert Kraft and most of his children are major donors to the United Democracy Project, DMFI, and AIPAC, having donated several million dollars combined to the three PACs over the past half-decade -- spending directed at U.S. electoral politics, distinct from the direct Palestinian-Israeli cooperation programs Kraft describes in his own statement about who his support helps.
Show fewer disputed claims
Disputed claim
Kraft says that for decades he has supported efforts that create opportunity for Palestinians and have brought young Palestinians and Israelis together to build businesses, create jobs, and forge relationships.
Disputed claim
Fetterman claims Macklemore's pledged $1 million donation to Palestinian relief organizations will go directly to Hamas.
Disputed claim
The Wall Street Journal
Several NFL team owners, including those of the Carolina Panthers, Atlanta Falcons and Philadelphia Eagles, were assured Macklemore would remove references to Palestine from his second MetLife Stadium performance after complaining about his first-night remarks, but he kept them in.
Disputed claim
The Intercept
The Intercept says its analysis of tax forms since 2006 found that the Kraft Family Foundation donated $196,000 to Friends of the IDF and another $123,000 to Brothers for Life and Friends of Israel Disabled Veterans, organizations the article says directly benefit Israeli soldiers.
Sources (1)
- Robert Kraft Claims His Donations Help Palestinians. Turns Out He’s Funding Friends of the IDF. · The InterceptSections beginning ‘Billionaire New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft’ and ‘The Intercept’s analysis of tax forms since 2006’
Arguments
Documented position
The Israeli-American Council.
The tour organizers are responsible for the platform they provide
Concertgoers bought admission to Ed Sheeran’s show, while an opener used the stage, production screens, and mass audience for disputed political claims. The IAC argues that this shifts the issue from Macklemore’s right to speak to Sheeran and the tour’s responsibility for a platform they control.
Limit of this argument
Macklemore was an announced opening act with a public history of pro-Palestinian advocacy, and political expression has a longstanding place in popular music.
Read sources and related claim
Related claim
An opening act should not use a headliner’s global concert platform to advance a one-sided political agenda without accountability and clear boundaries.
Editorial analysis
Macklemore's full speech distinguished Israel from Jewish people
Macklemore’s full remarks expressly separate criticism of Israel from criticism of Jewish people and place Palestine within a broader appeal for dignity, peace, and equal freedom. Treating that complete message as an ambush or hostile propaganda can collapse political disagreement into audience injury.
Limit of this argument
The speech included disputed accusations against Israel, celebrated named campus protest groups, and intentionally used Sheeran’s stadium tour to reach an audience assembled for another artist.
Read sources and related claim
Related claim
An opening act should not use a headliner’s global concert platform to advance a one-sided political agenda without accountability and clear boundaries.
Response record
Responses
Choose one response filter, or select All responses to see the full record.
114 responses. First 6 shown initially. Newest first.
MacklemoreMusician, in a post on XDirectly involvedBefore this statement
The post followed his September 14 removal from the remaining Ed Sheeran Loop Tour dates, his September 16 pledge of $1 million of his tour earnings to six Palestinian relief organizations, and reports that NFL owners would not host him.
"What happened to me is bigger than one artist or one stage. When the billionaire class can decide which voices are allowed on stage and which ones are too dangerous to hear, everyone should be paying attention. So we're going on tour. All proceeds will benefit organizations supporting the Palestinian people and movement."
Defended or excusedCase context: Macklemore’s “Free Palestine” speech and removal from Ed Sheeran’s U.S. tour
Full statement and sources
Macklemore, announcing the Free Palestine Tour, said that what happened to him is "bigger than one artist or one stage" and that "everyone should be paying attention" when the "billionaire class" decides which voices are allowed on stage.
After the statement
The post does not name any team owner or venue. Artists joining the tour and U.S. dates were to be announced later.
Macklemore announces the Free Palestine Tour · MacklemoreFull X post with attached tour poster, published September 24, 2026 at 2:16 p.m. UTCMacklemore Announces Free Palestine Tour (Pitchfork) · PitchforkArticle text, including Macklemore's full statement and the list of twelve beneficiary organizationsWhy this label?
Relative to the confrontation over Macklemore's Free Palestine remarks and his removal from the Loop Tour, Macklemore defends his advocacy: he frames his removal as the "billionaire class" deciding who may be heard and announces a tour to continue the message, with proceeds going to Palestinian causes. It is consistent in direction with his earlier statements defending his message, but moves from his September 14 statement about the removal to a broader claim about who controls access to stages.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Jewish Voice for PeaceJewish Voice for Peace, in a post in its weekly publication The WireBefore this statement
JVP's post said Macklemore announced on social media that Ed Sheeran had removed him from the remaining dates of their tour over comments in support of Palestine, and that Robert Kraft reportedly pressured Sheeran to drop him. It also said Sheeran's other opening acts withdrew from the tour within two days, and that protesters gathered at his Philadelphia show, with more protests planned for the Gillette Stadium show.
"Two years into Trump’s crackdown on pro-Palestine organizing, the backlash against Sheeran shows how little patience Americans have for attacks on pro-Palestine speech. It also demonstrates the shift toward support for Palestinian rights among everyday Americans that our movements have helped propel."
Defended or excusedCase context: Macklemore’s “Free Palestine” speech and removal from Ed Sheeran’s U.S. tour
Full statement and sources
Jewish Voice for Peace said the backlash against Ed Sheeran after Macklemore's removal shows how little patience Americans have for attacks on pro-Palestine speech, and reflects a shift toward support for Palestinian rights that its movements have helped propel.
After the statement
The rest of the post turns to polling on American Jewish opinion, congressional action on U.S. arms sales to Israel, local divestment campaigns and candidates endorsed by JVP Action.
No neutral position on the genocide machine. · Jewish Voice for PeaceFourth paragraph of the post, beginning "Two years into"Why this label?
The case looks at Macklemore's speech and his removal from the tour. JVP's post says Macklemore's words "expressed the sentiments of millions" and treats the backlash against Sheeran as a sign of how little patience Americans have for attacks on pro-Palestine speech. That takes Macklemore's side against the removal, so we labeled it Defended or excused.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
- MacklemoreMusician and subject of the caseDirectly involved
Before this statement
The post followed the public dispute over Macklemore's MetLife remarks and his removal from the remaining U.S. tour dates.
"To push back when the call for a Free Palestine is met with attempts to silence it."
Defended or excusedCase context: Macklemore’s “Free Palestine” speech and removal from Ed Sheeran’s U.S. tour
Full statement and sources
In an Instagram post, Macklemore announced a "Free Palestine Tour" and wrote that artists should "push back" when the call for a free Palestine is met with attempts to silence it. He said proceeds would benefit organizations supporting Palestinians and the movement.
After the statement
Macklemore listed dates in Dublin, Paris, and London and said proceeds would benefit organizations supporting Palestinians and the movement.
Macklemore announces "Free Palestine Tour"Instagram post DdrDI-tt1sY, caption paragraphs beginning "If these last couple of weeks..." and "FREE PALESTINE TOUR."Why this label?
The case concerns Macklemore's Free Palestine speech at Ed Sheeran concerts and the resulting removal from the remaining U.S. tour dates. Macklemore says artists should use their stages to call for a free Palestine and resist efforts to silence that call. This defends the advocacy under scrutiny rather than only disputing its description.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Ari EmanuelExecutive chair and chief executive officer of TKO Group Holdings and executive chairman of WME Group, in an interview on The Daily ShowBefore this statement
Emanuel appeared on The Daily Show to discuss his memoir, Roll the Calls. Jon Stewart asked how he would handle the dispute involving Ed Sheeran, Macklemore and Robert Kraft, and Emanuel said he would sit down and talk with Macklemore.
"I don't think it was completely understanding the facts. And I think it was belittling to Jewish people, too."
CondemnedCase context: Macklemore’s “Free Palestine” speech and removal from Ed Sheeran’s U.S. tour
Full statement and sources
Ari Emanuel, asked by Jon Stewart on The Daily Show whether what Macklemore said on stage was hate, said he did not think it was completely understanding the facts and that it was belittling to Jewish people.
After the statement
ClutchPoints, citing Billboard, and Hyperallergic reported that WME, where Emanuel is executive chairman, represents Macklemore for North American bookings. Both noted that Emanuel did not mention this in the interview.
Ari Emanuel's WME represents Macklemore, and he just weighed in on Ed Sheeran-Robert Kraft controversyParagraph beginning "Emanuel doesn't stand for any 'hate,'" and the sentence that follows itAri Emanuel on Channeling Rage and Ego Into Hollywood Success | The Daily ShowAbout 17:10 to 17:20 in the videoFrieze Owner Ari Emanuel Criticizes Macklemore Over Pro-Palestinian CommentsOpening paragraphs, and the paragraph beginning "I don't think it was completely understanding the facts"TKO Group Holdings, Inc. Definitive Proxy Statement (Schedule 14A) for the 2026 annual meetingDirector nominee biographies, page 10Why this label?
The case looks at Macklemore's speech at MetLife Stadium and the response to it. Asked whether what Macklemore said on stage was hate, Emanuel said it was not completely understanding the facts and was belittling to Jewish people. That is a direct criticism of what Macklemore said, so we labeled it Condemned rather than Challenged the characterization.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Charlotte ChurchSinger and performerBefore this statement
BBC Wales and The Jewish Chronicle report that Church spoke during a Pop Dungeon performance in Cardiff after Macklemore had been removed from the U.S. leg of Ed Sheeran’s tour.
"Ed Sheeran, we’re watching you."
CondemnedCase context: Macklemore’s “Free Palestine” speech and removal from Ed Sheeran’s U.S. tour
Full statement and sources
Two reports say Church criticized Sheeran at a September 20 Cardiff performance in connection with Macklemore’s removal from the U.S. leg of Sheeran’s tour.
After the statement
Both reports say Church then led or rallied the audience in a “Free Palestine” chant. No original recording of the remarks was available to verify in this review.
Charlotte Church accuses Ed Sheeran of choosing ‘capitalism over doing the right thing’Article paragraphs identifying Church’s Pop Dungeon performance in Cardiff and her “Ed Sheeran, we’re watching you” remark.Charlotte Church accuses Ed Sheeran of ‘choosing capitalism over doing the right thing’ amid Macklemore rowArticle paragraphs describing Church’s Cardiff performance, the reported remarks, and the audience chant.Why this label?
The reports attribute criticism of Sheeran’s handling of Macklemore’s removal to Church and quote her directing a warning toward him.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Theo VonComedian and podcast host, speaking on his own podcast "This Past Weekend"Before this statement
The episode was a solo show; Von had been discussing an unrelated road trip and a haircut before turning to Macklemore's tour removal and the war in Gaza.
"Macklemore lost his job because he spoke up. It feels like this is probably the biggest atrocity we've witnessed in our lifetime on our phones. Seeing the killings, people getting murdered, children getting killed. The Israeli government has turned Gaza into a video game basically for killing people, more specifically the killing of children. Every time they're like Hamas is hiding, that's Hamas. It's like that's a 4-month-old."
Defended or excusedCase context: Macklemore’s “Free Palestine” speech and removal from Ed Sheeran’s U.S. tour
Full statement and sources
On his podcast 'This Past Weekend,' Theo Von defended Macklemore after his Gaza remarks and tour removal. Read the quotation and the surrounding podcast context.
After the statement
Von did not name Ed Sheeran or Robert Kraft directly in this segment, and did not propose any specific policy response; the remarks were made in the context of a broader monologue about the war's visibility on social media.
Transcript of Theo Von's "This Past Weekend" #684, "Bad Haircut"Solo segment approximately 21 minutes in, discussing Macklemore's removal from Ed Sheeran's tour and the war in Gaza.Clip of Theo Von's Macklemore/Gaza remarks, posted by @MarcoFoster_Full text of the quoted clip caption, matching the podcast transcript.Why this label?
Von frames the removal as retaliation for legitimate advocacy ('lost his job because he spoke up') and goes on to endorse the substance of what Macklemore was speaking about, describing the war's civilian toll in strongly critical terms. This defends Macklemore's speech and, by extension, opposes the removal; it is not merely a characterization dispute, since Von affirmatively agrees with the underlying advocacy.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Show fewer responses
Ed SheeranMusician and headliner of the Loop TourDirectly involvedBefore this statement
The remarks followed Macklemore's removal from the remaining U.S. tour dates and withdrawals by other supporting musicians. In his September 15 statement, Sheeran attributed the removal decision to the promoter and venues and said he had tried to keep Macklemore on the tour. He opened the Philadelphia address by referring to the week's criticism and difficult decisions.
"I am making mistakes" ... "it should never happen in the free world"
Defended or excusedCase context: Macklemore’s “Free Palestine” speech and removal from Ed Sheeran’s U.S. tour
Full statement and sources
Before his September 19 concert in Philadelphia, Sheeran acknowledged making mistakes while handling the week's controversy and apologized. He criticized the idea of venues pre-approving performance content while explaining that he would continue the tour to honor his commitments to fans.
After the statement
Sheeran went on to call the October 7 attack horrific and describe the situation in Gaza as catastrophic and unjustifiable. He said he was speaking with people about a contribution to help victims, and listening and learning. He closed by saying that people with differing views were welcome at the concert.
Ed Sheeran's Philadelphia stage remarks: Tonight in Philadelphia · Ed SheeranInstagram reel DdfY7JYirtn, captioned "Tonight in Philadelphia"; video duration 3 minutes 19 seconds.READ IT: Ed Sheeran's pre-concert speech to Philly crowd about the Gaza controversyTranscript: second paragraph on mistakes and apology; venue-preapproval paragraph immediately after his explanation for continuing the tour.Ed Sheeran addresses Gaza and Macklemore controversy at Philly tour stopSecond article paragraph on mistakes and apology; venue-approval paragraph after the background on Robert Kraft; closing audience-unity remarks.Why this label?
Relative to Macklemore's MetLife speech and removal from the tour, Sheeran criticizes venue control over performers' content, saying such pre-approval should never happen in the free world. The classification records that criticism within the removal dispute. It does not treat the remarks as an express condemnation of Macklemore's speech or a claim that the removal itself was his mistake. Continuing to perform does not expressly endorse venue control, so it does not require a mixed classification.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Boy GeorgeSinger and Culture Club vocalist, posting on his own X accountBefore this statement
Posted on the evening of September 18, thirteen days after Macklemore told a MetLife Stadium audience: “To all of my Jewish brothers and sisters, criticism of Israel, criticism of apartheid, being against genocide in no way is a criticism of you”.
"It’s like people saying @macklmoore said ‘my Jewish brothers and sisters’ after dressing as caricature of a Jew and doing a nazi salute? Too late! Own your hate!"
CondemnedCase context: Macklemore’s “Free Palestine” speech and removal from Ed Sheeran’s U.S. tour
Full statement and sources
Boy George dismissed Macklemore’s address to “my Jewish brothers and sisters” as insincere, citing an allegation about a past costume and salute, and told him to “own your hate.”
After the statement
Boy George is himself the subject of a separate case, case 9, concerning the removal of his pro-Israel song from Bandcamp. The claim about a costume and a salute concerns conduct outside this dispute and is recorded as his assertion rather than as established fact.
Boy George on X: Macklemore’s “Jewish brothers and sisters” line is “too late”Full text of the post.Why this label?
On Macklemore’s conduct, Boy George condemns him, rejecting as insincere the disclaimer with which Macklemore framed his “Free Palestine” remarks and imputing hatred to him. This is his second recorded position on the case and is consistent in direction with his September 7 statement, while going further: the earlier one criticised the slogan as shallow, this one attacks Macklemore’s motives directly. “Challenged the characterization” does not fit, because he is not disputing how someone else described events but delivering his own verdict on the speaker.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Bill MaherComedian and host of HBO’s Real Time with Bill Maher, speaking on the September 18 episodeBefore this statement
Fox News Digital and The National News Desk reported that Maher first joked about a costume Macklemore wore in 2014, which they describe as a dark wig, beard and fake nose, and then said that Ed Sheeran let Macklemore be his opening act. Macklemore had been dropped from Sheeran’s Loop Tour days earlier.
"So, Ed Sheeran let Macklemore be his opening act on his tour. And when I say, ‘act,’ he goes out there and repeats lies about how Gaza is a genocide.” … “Not that they care, but that’s a lie.” … “He was understandably offended by this and said, ‘You can’t play my stadium.’"
CondemnedCase context: Macklemore’s “Free Palestine” speech and removal from Ed Sheeran’s U.S. tour
Full statement and sources
On the September 18 episode of HBO’s Real Time, Bill Maher said that Ed Sheeran let Macklemore be his opening act and that Macklemore “goes out there and repeats lies about how Gaza is a genocide,” adding, “Not that they care, but that’s a lie.” Maher said Robert Kraft, who owns the stadium where the concert was to take place, “was understandably offended” and said, “You can’t play my stadium.” He also joked about a costume Macklemore wore in 2014, which the reports describe as a dark wig, beard and fake nose.
After the statement
Maher went on to say that “Macklemore’s fans hate Ed Sheeran” and that “Ed Sheeran needs a new opening act.” Later in the show, Fox News Digital reported, he criticized musicians who use concerts to promote political causes, saying “It’s so arrogant on both their sides.” We could not locate a recording of the broadcast, so the wording above rests on the Fox News Digital and National News Desk reports.
Bill Maher hammers Macklemore over Gaza remarks, highlights rapper’s controversial ‘Jew’ costume from 2014 · Fox NewsParagraphs quoting Maher’s remarks on the September 18 episode of Real Time.Bill Maher takes aim at Macklemore amid Gaza remarks, old ‘Jew’ costume controversyParagraphs quoting Maher’s remarks on the September 18 episode of Real Time.Why this label?
Maher calls Macklemore’s claim that Gaza is a genocide “a lie” and says Macklemore “repeats lies” on stage, which rejects the substance of the speech. He also says Kraft was “understandably offended” by it, which describes Kraft’s reaction as understandable without stating an opinion on whether the removal was justified. The closest competing label is “Mixed or conditional”, because Maher does not address the removal itself; it loses because his only evaluation of the speech is a rejection, and the Kraft remark reports Kraft’s reaction rather than taking a position that cuts the other way.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Christopher RufoSenior fellow at the Manhattan Institute, a guest panelist on Overtime with Bill MaherBefore this statement
Host Bill Maher had read a question about Trump banning CNN, Politico and MS NOW from the White House. Rufo’s comparison to Robert Kraft’s ban was the first sentence of his answer to that question.
"This is a mistake in the same way it was a mistake for Robert Kraft to ban Macklemore."
Defended or excusedCase context: Macklemore’s “Free Palestine” speech and removal from Ed Sheeran’s U.S. tour
Full statement and sources
Answering a question about Trump banning CNN, Politico and MS NOW from the White House, Christopher Rufo said the ban “is a mistake in the same way it was a mistake for Robert Kraft to ban Macklemore.” He went on to say that the press ban gives Trump’s opponents “an easy win” because they can say they stand for free speech and good journalism, and that it is “a mistake strategically” and “on the substance.”
After the statement
Rufo continued that the press ban gives opponents “an easy win,” that it is “a mistake strategically” and “on the substance,” and that “hunkering down, remaining in the echo chamber, it’s a mistake on all fronts.” In this exchange, he did not describe Macklemore’s speech or say whether he agrees with it.
Overtime with Bill Maher: Jessica Tarlov, Kevin Roose, Christopher Rufo (HBO)01:10–01:47 (Rufo’s answer to the question read at 00:17–00:29)Why this label?
Rufo mentions Macklemore only as a comparison in an answer about Trump’s ban on CNN, MS NOW and Politico, and says it was “a mistake for Robert Kraft to ban Macklemore.” Under this case’s convention, opposing the removal or predicting it will backfire is recorded as “Defended or excused”; that is not an endorsement of the speech, which he does not address in this exchange. The closest competing label is “Mixed or conditional”, but he states no condition and no differing positions on the removal, and his objection is framed strategically, as handing opponents “an easy win.”
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Aaron RoweIrish singer-songwriter and former support act on the Loop Tour, speaking in a video on his own Instagram account Before this statement
Rowe withdrew from the Loop Tour on September 15 in support of Macklemore. Sheeran said that day that removing Macklemore was the promoter’s decision, not his own. Rolling Stone describes the video as lengthy and edited. In the same sentence as the third quoted passage, Rowe first says he knows Sheeran’s statement “could have been a lot better,” and between the third and fourth passages he says he believes there was panic “over there” and that the decision was rushed.
"focusing on the wrong person here. All I keep hearing is Ed Sheeran this, Ed Sheeran that” … “really should be focusing on the likes of Robert Kraft.” … “I do think that Macklemore shouldn’t have been pulled off the tour.” … “I haven’t had a chance to fucking talk to Ed too much, but I fully believe he knows that was a mistake."
Defended or excusedCase context: Macklemore’s “Free Palestine” speech and removal from Ed Sheeran’s U.S. tour
Full statement and sources
In an edited Instagram video posted on September 18, Aaron Rowe, who had withdrawn from Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour after Macklemore was removed from it, said he does not think Macklemore should have been pulled off the tour and that people were “focusing on the wrong person” in directing criticism at Sheeran. He said they should focus instead on Robert Kraft and on what he called “Zionist lobbies” that are “trying to silence the voices of people who are shouting about genocide.” He also said Sheeran’s statement “could have been a lot better” and that he believes Sheeran “knows that was a mistake.” Rowe’s descriptions of Kraft, of lobbying groups and of Israel’s conduct in Gaza are his own.
After the statement
After the last quoted passage, Rowe pointed to the pro-Palestinian acts on the bill and asked why, if Sheeran were a “Zionist,” he would have booked them. He called the episode human error and said Sheeran has done a great deal for many people, including artists like him, and, like anyone, makes mistakes. He closed by saying people should use the opportunity to “plaster Robert Kraft’s face everywhere,” describing Kraft as someone who “tried to shut down free speech” and “tried to silence the voices of people who are shouting about genocide.” Rowe’s characterisations of Kraft, of “Zionist lobbies” and of the conflict in Gaza are his own. We could not open the original Instagram post when we checked on September 19; the wording quoted here comes from published reports of the video, and outlets differ on a few words.
Aaron Rowe Defends Ed Sheeran After Dropping Out of Tour: ‘It Was Human F— Error’Paragraphs quoting Rowe’s Instagram video.Ed Sheeran Opener Aaron Rowe Defends Singer, Says Focus Should Be on Robert KraftParagraphs quoting Rowe’s Instagram video.Aaron Rowe releases statement on Ed Sheeran: “I fully believe he knows that was a mistake”Paragraphs quoting Rowe’s video.Why this label?
On Macklemore’s MetLife message and conduct, Rowe says Macklemore should not have been pulled off the tour, calls the decision a mistake, and describes Israel’s conduct in Gaza as genocide, which is how Macklemore framed his own message. Treating the removal as wrong treats the conduct that drew it as acceptable. Like Mehdi Hasan and Bernie Sanders, Rowe does not separately assess the merits of the speech, but “condemns” would require rejecting it, which he does not do. His criticism of Robert Kraft and of what he calls “Zionist lobbies” is the target of the remark, not the case position. The leniency he extends to Sheeran, whom he calls kind and says makes mistakes like anyone else, mitigates Sheeran’s responsibility without defending the removal itself, so it does not make the statement mixed. The closest competing label is “Mixed or conditional”; it loses because Rowe attaches no condition to his view that the removal was wrong.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Olayemi OlurinLawyer and political commentator, appearing as a guest on the Even More News podcast Before this statement
Said after host Katy Stoll raised a 2014 photograph of Macklemore in a costume with a large prosthetic nose, wig and beard, and said she did not like the costume, then invited Olurin to continue.
"I think that Macklemore’s support of Palestine and his speaking out against the genocide in Gaza is genuine. I do believe that. I don’t believe it’s motivated by anti-Semitism. However, I think it is valid for people to give the side eye … based on the fact that you’ve done something that could be read as blatantly anti-Semitic before. … So I can understand why, if I’ve seen you quite literally dress up as an anti-Semitic caricature before, I can understand why someone would be skeptical of his speaking out in support of Palestine."
Mixed or conditionalCase context: Macklemore’s “Free Palestine” speech and removal from Ed Sheeran’s U.S. tour
Full statement and sources
Olayemi Olurin said she believed Macklemore's support for Palestine was genuine, while acknowledging concerns about his 2014 costume. Read her exact words and the surrounding discussion.
After the statement
Olurin added that people sharing the 2014 photograph were often using it maliciously to conflate pro-Palestinian advocacy with antisemitism, and that the costume is not why Macklemore was removed from the tour. Macklemore apologised for the costume in 2014 and the Anti-Defamation League accepted the apology at the time.
Why this label?
On Macklemore’s conduct in giving the speech, Olurin holds two positions that pull against each other. She accepts the speech itself as sincere and not antisemitic, and separately treats the “Free Palestine” remark as legitimate, which would point to “Defended or excused”. But she declines to dismiss the critics, saying their scepticism is valid given the 2014 costume and comparing it to having seen someone dress as a Klansman. That is a substantive reservation about the speaker rather than a polite qualification, which is what makes it mixed. She also separates the two matters expressly, noting the costume is not why he was removed from the tour.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
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Jon LovettHost of the podcast Lovett or Leave It, in a scripted comedic monologueBefore this statement
Part of a satirical news monologue recapping the removal of Macklemore from Ed Sheeran’s tour. The segment is comedy and much of it is joke construction rather than argument.
"And as a Jewish American myself, thank you, Robert Kraft. The best way to fight anti-Semitism is for a Jewish billionaire to join forces with a cabal of other wealthy stadium operators to prevent audiences from hearing a pro-Palestinian statement by a performer largely regarded until now as a brand-safe version of f---ing Eminem."
Defended or excusedCase context: Macklemore’s “Free Palestine” speech and removal from Ed Sheeran’s U.S. tour
Full statement and sources
In a satirical monologue, Jon Lovett attacked Robert Kraft’s role in pressing for Macklemore’s removal, speaking as a Jewish American, and separately called Ed Sheeran’s statement “embarrassing.” He treated Macklemore’s “Free Palestine” remark as unobjectionable.
After the statement
Lovett also played a clip of Fox News host Jesse Watters saying of the remark, “all I heard was free Palestine. I don’t think that’s hate speech.” That is Watters’s statement carried within this programme, not Lovett’s, and is not recorded here as Lovett’s position or as a capture of Watters.
Lovett or Leave It: “Jon Lovett & Hasan Piker on Macklemore, Trump’s Economy & Republican Media”08:35–11:39 (Macklemore and Ed Sheeran monologue); 14:28–34:44 (interview with Hasan Piker), with the exchange on the Axios interview at approximately 27:00–29:00.Why this label?
On Macklemore’s conduct in giving the speech, Lovett does not criticise Macklemore at all. His attack is directed at Robert Kraft, whom he holds responsible for pressing for the removal, and at Ed Sheeran, whose statement he calls embarrassing. Treating the “Free Palestine” remark as unobjectionable while condemning those who acted against it is an implicit defence of Macklemore’s conduct, which is how this case classifies statements of that shape. The passage is sarcastic: he thanks Kraft in order to attack him, and the record should not be read as praise.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
CAIR-PhiladelphiaPhiladelphia chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, in an open letter and supporter campaign it sponsoredBefore this statement
The Philly Palestine Coalition and Shut Down D&Z had announced a protest outside Lincoln Financial Field the previous day. Philadelphia police were preparing for the September 19 concert, the first of Sheeran's U.S. dates since Macklemore's removal.
"This is about more than one artist or one concert. It raises serious questions about free expression, public accountability, and whether advocacy for Palestinian human rights can become grounds for exclusion from a major venue operating on publicly owned property."
Defended or excusedCase context: Macklemore’s “Free Palestine” speech and removal from Ed Sheeran’s U.S. tour
Full statement and sources
CAIR-Philadelphia published an open letter and supporter campaign addressed to the Philadelphia Eagles, Eagles Stadium Operator LLC, the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development, the City of Philadelphia and Lincoln Financial Group, asking who decided that Macklemore would not perform at the September 19 Ed Sheeran concert at Lincoln Financial Field. The letter frames his removal, which followed his public expressions of solidarity with Palestinians, as a question of free expression and public accountability at a venue on publicly owned land.
After the statement
Neither the Eagles, the stadium operator nor the city had publicly identified who made the decision.
Philadelphia Deserves Answers: Who Decided Macklemore Could Not Perform at Lincoln Financial Field? · CAIR-PhiladelphiaOpen letter and letter-writing campaign page sponsored by CAIR-Philadelphia, addressed to the Philadelphia Eagles, Eagles Stadium Operator LLC, the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development, the City of Philadelphia and Lincoln Financial Group.Why this label?
CAIR-Philadelphia treats the speech as protected advocacy that should not cost an artist a booking, which defends the conduct under scrutiny. The closest competing label is “Explicitly stayed out”, because the letter is framed as a request for information rather than a verdict and does not say in terms that the removal was wrong. That loses because the letter's own framing supplies the position: it characterises the removal as raising "serious questions about free expression" and asks whether Palestinian advocacy can be grounds for exclusion, which presupposes that it should not be.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Hussein MurtajaHead of a Gaza humanitarian organization providing mental-health support to children, quoted by Reuters Before this statement
Reuters reported the comment alongside coverage of the Gaza mural honoring Macklemore and a UNICEF official's remarks on the need for sustained rather than one-off aid.
"When artists of this stature, with this many followers or fans, all come to know more about the cause, and support reaching a political solution, support achieving peace for the people of Gaza... That means a great deal to us."
Defended or excusedCase context: Macklemore’s “Free Palestine” speech and removal from Ed Sheeran’s U.S. tour
Full statement and sources
Hussein Murtaja, who runs a Gaza humanitarian organization providing mental-health support to children, told Reuters that Macklemore's public solidarity mattered more than the $1 million he donated, saying that when an artist of Macklemore's stature draws more attention to the cause and to a political solution for Gaza, it means a great deal to Gazans.
After the statement
The same Reuters report quoted muralist Anne Redwan thanking Macklemore directly; that statement is recorded separately.
Mural of rapper Macklemore painted in Gaza after Sheeran tour furor · ReutersReuters wire report, republished by The Jerusalem Post; also carried as a CBS News video segment.Why this label?
Murtaja praises the value of Macklemore's public stance itself, independent of the donation, which endorses the conduct under scrutiny. There is no competing label to weigh; the statement is a direct, unqualified endorsement of Macklemore speaking out.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Anne RedwanArtist in Gaza City, quoted by Reuters Before this statement
The mural was painted on a slab of concrete leaning against ruined buildings in Gaza City, more than two weeks after Macklemore's removal from Ed Sheeran's tour and the same week he pledged $1 million of his tour earnings to Palestinian relief groups.
"We wanted to send a message to thank rapper Macklemore in this simple way. As an artist living under siege here in Gaza, we are waiting for support from anyone who can see the persecution we live under. We can paint murals bigger than this to express our feelings."
Defended or excusedCase context: Macklemore’s “Free Palestine” speech and removal from Ed Sheeran’s U.S. tour
Full statement and sources
Anne Redwan, a 26-year-old artist in Gaza City, designed and painted a mural with fellow artist Qusai al-Helo depicting Macklemore wrapped in a Palestinian flag, captioned "Thank you for using your voice for Palestine." She told Reuters the mural was meant to thank him and that she and other Gaza artists are waiting for support from anyone who recognizes what she described as the persecution they live under.
After the statement
Reuters also quoted Hussein Murtaja, who runs a Gaza mental-health organization for children, saying Macklemore's solidarity mattered more than the donation itself; that statement is recorded separately.
Mural of rapper Macklemore painted in Gaza after Sheeran tour furor · ReutersReuters wire report, republished by The Jerusalem Post; also carried as a CBS News video segment.Why this label?
Redwan's mural and quotation directly praise Macklemore for speaking out, which endorses the conduct under scrutiny. There is no competing label to weigh against here; the statement is unambiguous thanks and endorsement, with no qualification or condition attached.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Rhiannon GiddensMusician, interviewed on Democracy Now!Before this statement
Host Amy Goodman had just described Aaron Rowe's and Beoga's withdrawals from the tour and read Rowe's statement invoking Ireland's history of famine and occupation, before asking Giddens for her reaction.
"What is at issue for me is that when you hire somebody like Macklemore, who's been very pro-Palestinian in his... this is not a surprise, right? It shouldn't be a surprise. [...] I'm still just like, we're like, these people are not gods. You know what I mean? And they're fallible human beings. And it's like, he hires all these Irish people, and then Macklemore, and then is like, I don't know. It's just like, well, I don't know what he was expecting, you know? [...] As a musician, I'm very interested in that, because I'm like, you have power there. Why are you not using that power, right? He's folding. [...] For me, it wasn't a difficult decision. [...] If it doesn't direct the attention to Robert Kraft and if it doesn't direct the attention to the people who actually have the power who are doing these things, that's -- then it's for naught."
Defended or excusedCase context: Macklemore’s “Free Palestine” speech and removal from Ed Sheeran’s U.S. tour
Full statement and sources
Musician Rhiannon Giddens, interviewed on Democracy Now!, said it was not a surprise that Macklemore spoke in support of Palestinians given his history, and that Ed Sheeran should have anticipated it when he hired him. She said Sheeran has power as a wealthy, famous musician that he is not using, calling his decision to remove Macklemore "folding," and said that for her the decision would not have been difficult. She said Sheeran has the right to make that choice but the public has the right to hold him accountable for it, and argued attention should also go to Robert Kraft as the person who organized the pressure behind the removal.
After the statement
Giddens went on to argue that the public should not rely on celebrities to take moral stands for them and should direct scrutiny toward Robert Kraft, whom she described as organizing the pressure on other stadium owners to exclude Macklemore.
Rhiannon Giddens on the Ed Sheeran controversy: "I don't know what he was expecting" · Democracy Now!Democracy Now! interview segment with Amy Goodman, posted to X with a 5:09 video clip.Why this label?
Giddens treats the speech itself as unsurprising and unobjectionable given Macklemore's known history, and frames the removal as a failure by Sheeran to use his power responsibly, which is a defence of the conduct under scrutiny and a rejection of the removal. The closest competing label is “Mixed or conditional”, since she says Sheeran "has every right to do whatever he wants." That loses because acknowledging his legal or practical latitude to make the choice is not itself an endorsement of the choice; she immediately adds that the public retains the right to hold him accountable, and the substantive weight of the passage is critical of the decision throughout. This is consistent with how we recorded Philip DeFranco's criticism of Sheeran (1009) on this same case.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Sam SederHost, The Majority ReportBefore this statement
Said on the September 17, 2026 episode of The Majority Report, after playing a clip of Ben Shapiro's September 15 Fox News defense of Robert Kraft.
"I like that a billionaire's life is so safe and siloed that they have to like spend money to find fear."
Defended or excusedCase context: Macklemore’s “Free Palestine” speech and removal from Ed Sheeran’s U.S. tour
Full statement and sources
Sam Seder mocked Robert Kraft's antisemitism-monitoring operation as billionaire paranoia, called Kraft "a really, really terrible person" over his IDF donations and Epstein correspondence, and said extreme wealth disconnects people like Kraft and Sheeran from mainstream opinion on the conflict, which he said is why they sided against Macklemore.
After the statement
Seder also noted Sheeran performed at Kraft's 2022 wedding, and said extreme wealth 'informs Zionism and makes it even more extreme because they're more disconnected from regular everyday opinion and democracy on this issue.'
Why this label?
Seder does not evaluate Macklemore's on-stage conduct at all; his entire response attacks Kraft's character and motives and frames Sheeran's and Kraft's opposition to Macklemore as a product of billionaire disconnection from mainstream opinion, implicitly defending Macklemore's position as the reasonable one.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
John FettermanU.S. Senator (D-PA)Before this statement
Said in an on-camera doorstop interview with TMZ DC reporter Jacob Wasserman on Capitol Hill, September 17, 2026.
"it's all going to Hamas, 100%."
CondemnedCase context: Macklemore’s “Free Palestine” speech and removal from Ed Sheeran’s U.S. tour
Full statement and sources
Sen. John Fetterman said Macklemore missed the irony of saying "Free Palestine" at a concert given Hamas's October 7 attack on the Nova music festival, and claimed Macklemore's pledged $1 million in Palestinian relief donations would go directly to Hamas.
After the statement
When the reporter noted Robert Kraft and Ed Sheeran were also donating and asked whether that money would likewise reach Hamas, Fetterman stood by his broader claim.
Why this label?
Fetterman directly criticizes Macklemore's choice of forum given the Nova festival attack and asserts his relief-fund pledge will fund Hamas rather than aid recipients, an express condemnation of Macklemore's conduct.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Ms. RachelChildren's educator and video creator, in a public statement reported by VarietyBefore this statement
On September 16 Macklemore named six organizations receiving his $1 million pledge, described as his entire net earnings from the Loop Tour, and invited others to join. The Palestine Children's Relief Fund, one of the six, publicly confirmed receipt. Ms. Rachel had criticised Ed Sheeran on September 14 over Macklemore's removal, recorded separately.
"I will match Macklemore's donation and I invite every wealthy white celebrity to match it and speak out against the genocide in Gaza. Over 20,000 precious Palestinian children have been killed and children continue to be killed every day. We have a moral obligation to use our privilege and platforms to protect children and human rights."
Defended or excusedCase context: Macklemore’s “Free Palestine” speech and removal from Ed Sheeran’s U.S. tour
Full statement and sources
After Macklemore pledged $1 million in tour earnings to six organizations supporting Palestinians and invited others to join, Ms. Rachel said she would match the donation and challenged every wealthy white celebrity to do the same and to speak out against what she called the genocide in Gaza. She said more than 20,000 Palestinian children had been killed and that those with privilege and platforms have a moral obligation to protect children and human rights. On her own account she confirmed she is a Palestine Children's Relief Fund ambassador and would donate to it and other organizations. Her casualty figure and her characterisation of events in Gaza are her own and are not established here.
After the statement
Ms. Rachel posted on her own Threads account that she is a PCRF ambassador and will be donating to it and other organizations, and separately that treating the killing of children as political depending on their race is racism. The full statement quoted here circulated earlier the same day via a third-party account that could not be verified against her own feed; it is recorded on Variety's attribution.
Why this label?
Ms. Rachel answers his invitation by matching his donation and urging other public figures to join him and speak out, which endorses both the advocacy that led to his removal and his response to it. That places her with the performers and public figures who defended the speech, and is consistent with her earlier record in this case criticising Sheeran for dropping him (568). The closest competing label is “Mixed or conditional”; it loses because she attaches no condition and takes no position against any part of the conduct under scrutiny.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Philly Palestine CoalitionPhiladelphia community organization, in a joint statement with Shut Down D&Z Before this statement
Announced jointly on social media on September 17, 2026, ahead of Ed Sheeran's September 19 show at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.
"Free Palestine is a call to direct action. On Saturday, we take to the streets to return the conversation to Palestine, and return Philadelphia to action. Ed Sheeran plays at Lincoln Financial Field on Saturday, his first show after caving to Zionist threats and dropping Macklemore as his opening act."
Defended or excusedCase context: Macklemore’s “Free Palestine” speech and removal from Ed Sheeran’s U.S. tour
Full statement and sources
The Philly Palestine Coalition and Shut Down D&Z announced a protest outside Sheeran's Philadelphia show, calling his decision to drop Macklemore caving to "Zionist threats."
After the statement
The groups also wrote, "There is no neutrality against oppression, only complicity. When the news cycle has moved on, we will still be here."
Why this label?
On Macklemore's MetLife message, the groups defend his conduct as legitimate advocacy and frame Sheeran's decision to drop him as capitulation to pressure rather than a justified response to anything objectionable in the message itself -- an implicit defense of Macklemore, not a condemnation of him.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Hannah EinbinderActor, "Hacks"Before this statement
Posting on Instagram amid the celebrity backlash against Sheeran's handling of Macklemore's removal.
"Ed Sheeran i say this as a ginger. i hope you get a REALLY bad sun burn the kind on the back of your entire body where it hurts to lie down or walk or sit."
Defended or excusedCase context: Macklemore’s “Free Palestine” speech and removal from Ed Sheeran’s U.S. tour
Full statement and sources
"Hacks" star Hannah Einbinder mocked Ed Sheeran on Instagram over his handling of Macklemore's tour removal, joking "as a ginger" that she hoped he'd get a bad sunburn.
After the statement
No further public follow-up had been reported as of this writing.
Why this label?
Einbinder mocks Sheeran over his handling of Macklemore's removal, implicitly siding with Macklemore in the underlying dispute.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Marissa BodeActor, "Wicked"Before this statement
Posting a video criticizing Sheeran for not coming to Macklemore's defense.
"Ed Sheeran, my legs may not work like they used to before, but at least I have a f***ing spine. Free Palestine."
Defended or excusedCase context: Macklemore’s “Free Palestine” speech and removal from Ed Sheeran’s U.S. tour
Full statement and sources
"Wicked" actor Marissa Bode criticized Ed Sheeran for not defending Macklemore, saying she has "a spine" and endorsing his "Free Palestine" message.
After the statement
No further public follow-up had been reported as of this writing.
Why this label?
Bode criticizes Sheeran for not defending Macklemore and explicitly endorses Macklemore's "Free Palestine" message, defending his conduct in the underlying dispute.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Radhika SainathLitigation director, Palestine Legal Before this statement
Al Jazeera reported that Robert Kraft, who owns Gillette Stadium, said in a statement that letting Macklemore perform there would cross a line, and that Sheeran said on Tuesday, September 15, that the removal was decided by the venues and the promoter. It also reported that Macklemore said in an Instagram post that Sheeran told him Kraft had rallied other stadium owners, and that Kraft's public statement did not address that claim.
"I haven’t seen the terms of his contract, but I find it highly unlikely that the stadium owner retained an eleventh-hour power to veto tour openers expressing support for Palestinian human rights. If Sheeran had fought back instead of giving in to censorship and bullying, not only would he have retained the moral high ground with his millions of fans – and been on the right side of history – he would likely have a strong case for hundreds of thousands of dollars in damages for whatever losses he incurred over Kraft’s threatened cancellation"
Defended or excusedCase context: Macklemore’s “Free Palestine” speech and removal from Ed Sheeran’s U.S. tour
Full statement and sources
Radhika Sainath, litigation director at Palestine Legal, told Al Jazeera she found it highly unlikely that the stadium owner had a late power to veto tour openers who expressed support for Palestinian human rights. She said Sheeran would have kept the moral high ground, and likely had a strong case for damages, had he fought back instead of giving in.
After the statement
Al Jazeera's article then turned to Kraft's earlier response to campus protests, including his 2024 suspension of donations to Columbia University, and to reactions from other artists and venues.
Who is Robert Kraft, pro-Israel billionaire who cancelled Macklemore? · Al JazeeraSection 'How has Ed Sheeran responded?', last two paragraphsWhy this label?
The case looks at Macklemore's Free Palestine speech and his removal from the tour. Sainath doubts that a stadium owner could veto an opener for expressing support for Palestinian human rights and describes Sheeran's response as giving in to censorship and bullying. That sides with Macklemore against the removal, so we labeled it Defended or excused, the same label we gave other statements that back Macklemore.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
BIIRDBritish folk-pop group and former Ed Sheeran tour support act Before this statement
BIIRD identified its final tour performance as the MetLife Stadium show where it witnessed Macklemore’s speech.
"We stand unequivocally behind every word he said."
Defended or excusedCase context: Macklemore’s “Free Palestine” speech and removal from Ed Sheeran’s U.S. tour
Full statement and sources
BIIRD said it stood unequivocally behind every word Macklemore said in his MetLife Stadium speech.
After the statement
The post expressed support for the speech; it did not describe a withdrawal from tour dates already completed.
BIIRD backs Macklemore’s MetLife Stadium speechInstagram captionWhy this label?
BIIRD directly endorses the content of the speech at issue.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Alex PearlmanComedian and co-host of the podcast Crashing Out, posting as Pearlmania500 Before this statement
Pearlman had been discussing Robert Kraft's ties to Benjamin Netanyahu and to pro-Israel advocacy, and said Kraft "is leaning in harder and harder into a lot of anti-Semitic tropes, which make those tropes less of a trope and more in some people's mind a reality." Minutes earlier he joked about holding up a menorah because calling him an antisemite would not work on him.
"Macklemore said free Palestine. And what happened? A series of people came together and used their outside money and influence to silence a man to remove him due to their oversized control of both the media and the sports network and so many more."
Defended or excusedCase context: Macklemore’s “Free Palestine” speech and removal from Ed Sheeran’s U.S. tour
Full statement and sources
On the September 16 episode of Crashing Out, Alex Pearlman said Robert Kraft was leaning further into antisemitic tropes, then said that after Macklemore said "free Palestine" a group of people used their outside money and influence to silence and remove him, attributing this to what Pearlman called their oversized control of the media and the sports network.
After the statement
He went on to describe the Blue Square anti-hate campaign associated with Kraft, and asked his co-host about its Tom Brady and Snoop Dogg advertisement. This is Pearlman's first recorded statement in this case.
Alex Pearlman on Macklemore's removal — Crashing Out, "The Ed Sheeran Problem" · Philip DeFrancoPearlman's passage on Robert Kraft and the removal at approximately 16:17-16:56.Why this label?
Pearlman treats the speech as unobjectionable and the removal as an act of silencing, which is a defence of the conduct under scrutiny. The closest competing label is condemns, since the passage is framed as an attack; that loses because its target is Robert Kraft and those Pearlman says organised the boycott, not Macklemore. Recorded as stated: Pearlman's explanation invokes disproportionate control of media and sport by the group he is describing, a formulation that resembles the antisemitic trope he accuses Kraft of leaning into two sentences earlier. We record the position as expressed and do not resolve that tension here.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Philip DeFrancoDigital news creator and co-host of the podcast Crashing OutBefore this statement
DeFranco had just read out Macklemore's two stage statements and called the reaction to them insane, and was arguing that performers with financial security have less excuse for neutrality than struggling artists.
"Ed Sheeran should look back on this. If he does not change up, right — and we, I gotta leave people room to grow and show it — but if he does not change up here, I hope he looks back on this in fucking shame and disgust of himself."
Defended or excusedCase context: Macklemore’s “Free Palestine” speech and removal from Ed Sheeran’s U.S. tour
Full statement and sources
On the September 16 episode of his podcast Crashing Out, Philip DeFranco said that entertainers in privileged positions have no excuse for staying neutral, and that Ed Sheeran should look back on the removal of Macklemore from his tour. He allowed that people should be left room to change, but said that if Sheeran does not, he hopes Sheeran looks back on it in shame and disgust.
After the statement
His co-host Alex Pearlman then read Ms. Rachel's Instagram statement criticising Sheeran, which is recorded separately at 568. DeFranco made earlier statements in this case on September 14, recorded at 566 and 697.
The Ed Sheeran Problem — Crashing Out with Philip DeFranco & Alex Pearlman · Philip DeFrancoEpisode runs 1:29:09; DeFranco's passage on Ed Sheeran at approximately 6:20-6:50.Why this label?
DeFranco treats the removal as indefensible and the speech as unobjectionable, directing his criticism at Sheeran rather than at Macklemore, which is a defence of the conduct under scrutiny. The closest competing label is condemns, because the passage is almost entirely condemnatory in tone. That loses because what he condemns is Sheeran's acquiescence in the removal, not Macklemore's speech; on this case's conduct under scrutiny that is a defence. “Mixed or conditional” also loses: the clause leaving Sheeran room to change conditions DeFranco's judgement of Sheeran's future conduct, not his present view of the removal. This is a new dated statement, not a revision of his September 14 remarks recorded at 566 and 697.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Ana KasparianExecutive producer and host, The Young TurksBefore this statement
Said as a panelist on the September 16, 2026 episode of Piers Morgan Uncensored, responding to Morgan's question about the controversy.
"While it's true that he owns the stadium and gets to decide who can and can't be there to perform, the fact of the matter is he also has all sorts of conflicts of interest that led to the decision he made in the first place. He had some pretty deep ties to Jeffrey Epstein... He's a huge donor to AIPAC and in fact has even received some sort of award from the state of Israel. So it doesn't surprise me that Robert Kraft is going to Robert Kraft. I think that his whole being is far more disgusting than anything I've ever heard Macklemore say."
Defended or excusedCase context: Macklemore’s “Free Palestine” speech and removal from Ed Sheeran’s U.S. tour
Full statement and sources
Ana Kasparian said Robert Kraft's own conflicts of interest, including past ties to Jeffrey Epstein and AIPAC donations, made his decision to bar Macklemore unsurprising and worse than anything Macklemore had said.
After the statement
Kasparian went on to say that even mild, non-critical statements about Palestinian humanity draw accusations of antisemitism, and later told fellow panelist Joe Walsh directly: "If you are offended by allowing people to live in freedom, where their humanity is recognized and respected... you are the problem."
Piers Morgan Uncensored: "Ed Sheeran Is a COWARD" — Macklemore Dropped From Tour Over 'Free Palestine' Speech23:30–26:12: Wajahat Ali's uninterrupted turn; 25:29–26:12: quoted passage on a generational and cultural turn against Israel; 26:14–26:36: Piers Morgan's reply. Episode chapter marker "Israel's declining popularity in America" is set at 26:22, within Morgan's reply.Why this label?
Kasparian explicitly says Kraft's conduct is 'far more disgusting than anything I've ever heard Macklemore say,' and separately argued Macklemore's on-stage comments were comparatively tame -- an explicit defense of Macklemore's conduct in this case.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Randy FineU.S. Representative (R-FL)Before this statement
Said in an on-camera TMZ DC interview with reporter Charlie Cotton, September 16, 2026, one day after TMZ interviewed AOC on the same controversy.
"Free speech doesn't mean stadium access for antisemitic trash."
CondemnedCase context: Macklemore’s “Free Palestine” speech and removal from Ed Sheeran’s U.S. tour
Full statement and sources
Rep. Randy Fine said Macklemore's free speech rights don't obligate any venue to give him a stage, pointed to Macklemore's 2014 costume (a wig, beard, and prosthetic nose) as evidence of an antisemitic pattern he says informs his current stance, and defended Robert Kraft's decision to bar him from Gillette Stadium.
After the statement
Fine said he doesn't accept Macklemore's explanation that the 2014 costume wasn't intended to invoke a Jewish stereotype, and said Kraft, as the venue owner, was within his rights to exclude him -- comparing Gillette Stadium to "Kraft's house." Unlike AOC, Fine said he is not boycotting Sheeran and is applauding Kraft instead.
Why this label?
Fine explicitly calls Macklemore's comments "antisemitic garbage"/"antisemitic trash" and cites the 2014 costume controversy as evidence of a pattern, an express condemnation of Macklemore's conduct.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Joe WalshFormer U.S. Representative (R-IL); political commentatorBefore this statement
Said as a panelist on the September 16, 2026 episode of Piers Morgan Uncensored, in response to Ana Kasparian's defense of Macklemore.
"Macklemore didn't just say free Palestine. He did more than that... a reason why a lot of folks got upset... Maybe not offensive to you, but offensive to some people. You'd acknowledge that or no?"
Challenged the characterizationCase context: Macklemore’s “Free Palestine” speech and removal from Ed Sheeran’s U.S. tour
Full statement and sources
Joe Walsh disputed the framing that Macklemore's on-stage remarks were limited to the phrase "free Palestine," saying he said more than that and that it was offensive to some people, while defending both Macklemore's right to say it and Kraft's right to exclude him over it.
After the statement
Walsh also said: "I'll defend Macklemore's right to say what he wanted to say. Every bit as strongly as I'll defend Bob Kraft's right to have whoever he wants to have play at his venue."
Piers Morgan Uncensored: "Ed Sheeran Is a COWARD" — Macklemore Dropped From Tour Over 'Free Palestine' Speech23:30–26:12: Wajahat Ali's uninterrupted turn; 25:29–26:12: quoted passage on a generational and cultural turn against Israel; 26:14–26:36: Piers Morgan's reply. Episode chapter marker "Israel's declining popularity in America" is set at 26:22, within Morgan's reply.Why this label?
Walsh disputes Ana Kasparian's characterization that Macklemore merely said an innocuous "free Palestine," asserting he said more and that it upset and offended people. He does not go on to personally condemn Macklemore's conduct -- he explicitly defends Macklemore's right to have said it, framing the dispute as a free-speech and property-rights question for all parties rather than rendering his own verdict on the content.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Massive AttackBandBefore this statement
Posted to Instagram on September 16, 2026, amid a wider wave of artists (including Roger Waters and Garbage) criticizing Sheeran's handling of Macklemore's removal.
"No artist should tolerate the censorship of another artist, however many millions of dollars are in play."
Defended or excusedCase context: Macklemore’s “Free Palestine” speech and removal from Ed Sheeran’s U.S. tour
Full statement and sources
Massive Attack said no artist should tolerate the censorship of another artist and stood in solidarity with artists risking their careers for Palestinian rights.
After the statement
The band also said the 'arc of state, corporate and media silence that allowed a genocide to take place seeks to coerce high profile artists and actors into that silence,' and stated they 'stand in solidarity with all artists risking their careers in defence of the rights of the Palestinian people.'
Why this label?
On Macklemore's conduct in giving the speech, Massive Attack explicitly backs Macklemore and frames his removal as censorship coerced by money, defending his conduct as not warranting the response it received.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Ged NashTD, Labour Party finance spokesperson (Ireland)Before this statement
Said in comments reported by Newsweek on the Macklemore-Sheeran tour fallout.
"extremely disappointing"
Defended or excusedCase context: Macklemore’s “Free Palestine” speech and removal from Ed Sheeran’s U.S. tour
Full statement and sources
Ged Nash called Sheeran's position on the Macklemore removal "extremely disappointing."
After the statement
Nash praised the artists who withdrew from the tour in protest.
Why this label?
On Macklemore's conduct in giving the speech, Nash does not criticize Macklemore. Calling Sheeran's position "extremely disappointing" while praising the artists who withdrew in solidarity with Macklemore implicitly defends Macklemore's conduct as not warranting his removal.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Alan KellyTD, Labour Party (Ireland)Before this statement
Said in comments reported by Newsweek on the Macklemore-Sheeran tour fallout.
"thrown his friend under the bus in favor of commerciality"
Defended or excusedCase context: Macklemore’s “Free Palestine” speech and removal from Ed Sheeran’s U.S. tour
Full statement and sources
Alan Kelly accused Sheeran of prioritizing commercial interests over his friendship with Macklemore.
After the statement
Kelly was one of several Irish politicians who publicly criticized Sheeran over the episode.
Why this label?
On Macklemore's conduct in giving the speech, Kelly does not criticize Macklemore at all. By accusing Sheeran of throwing Macklemore "under the bus" for commercial reasons, Kelly implicitly defends Macklemore's conduct as not warranting the response it received.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Ruth CoppingerTD, People Before Profit-Solidarity (Ireland)Before this statement
Said in comments reported by Newsweek on the Macklemore-Sheeran tour fallout.
"a "political decision" that ultimately backfired"
Defended or excusedCase context: Macklemore’s “Free Palestine” speech and removal from Ed Sheeran’s U.S. tour
Full statement and sources
Ruth Coppinger called Macklemore's removal a political decision that backfired.
After the statement
Coppinger was one of several Irish politicians who publicly criticized the handling of the removal.
Why this label?
Coppinger frames Macklemore's removal as a political decision that backfired, an implicit defense of his conduct as not warranting the response it received.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Dave PortnoyFounder of Barstool Sports, commenting publicly on his own verified X accountBefore this statement
Portnoy opens the video by saying he has to "weigh in real quick on this Bob Kraft, Ed Sheeran, Macklemore controversy that is raging," and recounts that Kraft learned Macklemore was using the opening slot for what Portnoy calls a pro-Free Palestine rally, with the Palestinian flag and war imagery on the screens. He then says Kraft, like him, researched Macklemore and found what Portnoy calls a shady past, including the 2014 costume for which Macklemore apologised.
"I back Robert Kraft banning Macklemore from performing at Gillette 1000% and thank him for having a spine when many others in his shoes don't. … And Macklemore, this anti-Semitic 9-11 truther who's now turning this into a political rally, you're going to come into Bob Kraft's house and spit in his face? No fucking way. That's not censorship. … He owns the stadium. It's his house."
CondemnedCase context: Macklemore’s “Free Palestine” speech and removal from Ed Sheeran’s U.S. tour
Full statement and sources
In a post and attached 5:24 video on September 16, Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy backed Robert Kraft's refusal to host Macklemore at Gillette Stadium, saying he did so "1000%" in the post text and "110%" in the video. He described Macklemore as an "anti-Semitic 9-11 truther," citing the rapper's 2014 costume, remarks Portnoy characterised as 9/11 conspiracy theorising, and Macklemore's use of the word genocide twelve days after the October 7 attacks. Portnoy argued the removal was not censorship because Kraft owns the venue, said Kraft has spent a decade fighting antisemitism, and urged more Jewish public figures to speak out, predicting Kraft would face abuse for it. Portnoy's characterisations of Macklemore and his account of the Gaza war are his own.
After the statement
Portnoy says Macklemore's set omitted what precipitated the war and the Israelis killed on October 7, argues Hamas would kill every Jew if it could, and criticises the support acts who withdrew, naming Finneas. He closes: "More Jews have to speak out… but you need more people to stand up for what they believe in. That's why I'm making this video… I have his back 100 million percent."
Why this label?
Portnoy condemns the speech and the speaker directly, calling Macklemore an "anti-Semitic 9-11 truther" and saying his set turned the concert into a political rally, and he endorses the removal as a property owner's prerogative rather than censorship. That places him with Greenblatt (591, 592), StopAntisemitism (593) and Elan Carr (777), who condemn the speech. The closest competing label is “Challenged the characterization”, on the basis that much of the video disputes the "censorship" framing; it loses because the passage goes on to express a clear substantive condemnation of the conduct itself rather than only contesting a label.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Wajahat AliWriter and political commentator, host of The Left Hook, appearing as a panel guest on Piers Morgan UncensoredBefore this statement
Piers Morgan hands to Ali at 23:30 during a panel segment on Macklemore's removal. Immediately before the quoted passage Ali rebuts the antisemitism charge — "Facts matter. 12 years ago when Macklemore did that, he apologized. The ADL, the Anti-Defamation League's a Foxman ... said, we accept his apology" — lists other figures he says have been penalised for pro-Palestinian speech, and says of the removal: "It's Robert Kraft, a billionaire who is a friend of Israel and Israel's occupation, who has put his thumb on the scale and has literally announced, I got all the other stadium owners to kick Macklemore out. What Ed Sheeran should have done is said, F yourself, but check it out. If people were so offended, people would have booed. I saw that clip. People applauded. Furthermore, his own touring band and all the opening acts are with Macklemore."
"This is a generational fumble by Israel and Robert Kraft and anyone who's pro-Israel. What you're witnessing in real time, Piers, this is fascinating. What you and I are witnessing is what happened in the '80s with the global turn against South African apartheid. Israel has lost the plot. They've lost the youth. They've lost the culture. It's done. No matter how many pro-Israel apologists come on the show, I want you all to know it's over. You've lost the youth. People have become radicalized because they've seen a genocide on their phone for the past two and a half years. And no matter how much, if you will, power you exercise against them to crush them, what's going to happen from here on out now, Piers, is you're going to see more and more people wake up, which is what happened right now. The Streisand effect should be called the Sheeran effect."
Defended or excusedCase context: Macklemore’s “Free Palestine” speech and removal from Ed Sheeran’s U.S. tour
Full statement and sources
On the September 16 episode of Piers Morgan Uncensored, writer and commentator Wajahat Ali argued that removing Macklemore from Ed Sheeran's tour was a "generational fumble" by Israel, Robert Kraft and pro-Israel figures generally. He compared the reaction to the global turn against South African apartheid in the 1980s, said Israel had "lost the youth" and "lost the culture," attributed that shift to people watching what he called a genocide on their phones over two and a half years, and argued that pressure would amplify rather than suppress Macklemore's message — renaming the Streisand effect the "Sheeran effect." Morgan replied that Israel's popularity had been "consistently plunging" and that a significant majority in America now held a negative opinion of Israel. Ali's characterisations of Israel's conduct, of Kraft's coordination and of public opinion are his own.
After the statement
Morgan responds at 26:14: "there may be some truth to that because Israel's popularity has been consistently plunging. And we've got to a place I never thought we'd get to in America in my lifetime where there is significant majority negative opinion of Israel, and that should be of great concern to all Israelis and to Jews around the world." He adds that he does not believe the current Israeli government cares. The panel then moves to a reported Houthi drone attack near Mecca, an unrelated topic.
Piers Morgan Uncensored: "Ed Sheeran Is a COWARD" — Macklemore Dropped From Tour Over 'Free Palestine' Speech23:30–26:12: Wajahat Ali's uninterrupted turn; 25:29–26:12: quoted passage on a generational and cultural turn against Israel; 26:14–26:36: Piers Morgan's reply. Episode chapter marker "Israel's declining popularity in America" is set at 26:22, within Morgan's reply.Why this label?
Ali affirmatively defends the speech before making the argument quoted here: he rebuts the antisemitism charge by citing the Anti-Defamation League's acceptance of Macklemore's apology for a costume incident twelve years earlier, says the MetLife crowd applauded rather than booed, and says Ed Sheeran should have refused to drop him. He then condemns Robert Kraft's role in the removal. That combination places him with Tucker Carlson (853) and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (802), who likewise defend the speech while condemning the removal, rather than with speakers such as Mehdi Hasan (587) who criticise the removal without assessing the merits of the speech. The closest competing label is “Mixed or conditional”; it loses because Ali attaches no condition, concedes nothing to the critics' characterisation, and expresses a single consistent evaluation across the turn.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Tommy VietorCo-host, Pod Save AmericaBefore this statement
Posted to X on September 16, 2026, quote-tweeting Macklemore's September 7 post, after watching the full MetLife speech for the first time.
"I had seen the coverage of this controversy but hadn't actually watched the speech until today...this is completely unobjectionable! Punishing him for these words is crazy and just pure censorship and everyone defending it was probably whining about cancel culture two years ago."
Defended or excusedCase context: Macklemore’s “Free Palestine” speech and removal from Ed Sheeran’s U.S. tour
Full statement and sources
Tommy Vietor called Macklemore's speech unobjectionable and the removal from the tour 'pure censorship.'
After the statement
Several replies disputed his framing, including one arguing he had only seen a shortened, edited clip.
Why this label?
On Macklemore's MetLife message, Vietor calls it 'completely unobjectionable' and the removal 'pure censorship' -- an express defense of Macklemore's conduct, not a condemnation of him.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Tim PoolHost, Tim PoolBefore this statement
Said in a September 16, 2026 video on his Timcast News channel discussing Macklemore's removal from Ed Sheeran's tour.
"Cancel culture is not firing somebody... because they are an offensive person. That's not cancel culture... So that's why I say this actually does kind of qualify. It's close... I actually have no problem to be completely honest [with what Macklemore said]... I'd be willing to bet he doesn't know anything about it."
Mixed or conditionalCase context: Macklemore’s “Free Palestine” speech and removal from Ed Sheeran’s U.S. tour
Full statement and sources
Tim Pool defended the substance of Macklemore's remarks while questioning the tour removal and dismissing his activism as uninformed.
After the statement
Said in the same video discussing Massie's impeachment push against Hegseth.
Why this label?
Pool defends the substance of Macklemore's on-stage remarks ("I actually have no problem... with what he said") while questioning whether the removal genuinely qualifies as cancel culture and separately dismissing Macklemore's activism as uninformed -- a conditional position combining agreement on the speech itself with skepticism about the surrounding dispute.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Mark DiceIndependent media analystBefore this statement
Said in a September 16, 2026 video reacting to Macklemore's removal from Ed Sheeran's Loop Tour.
"Sure, it's not the government banning him... but it is a violation of the principles of the freedom of speech... This was Robert [Kraft] and... a certain ethnic mafia cancelling Macklemore."
Defended or excusedCase context: Macklemore’s “Free Palestine” speech and removal from Ed Sheeran’s U.S. tour
Full statement and sources
Mark Dice called Macklemore's removal a violation of free-speech principles and attributed it to Robert Kraft and, in language repeating an antisemitic trope, "a certain ethnic mafia."
After the statement
Dice went on to criticize Ben Shapiro for defending the tour's decision to drop Macklemore.
Why this label?
On Macklemore's MetLife message, Dice calls his removal a free-speech violation, an implicit defense of Macklemore's conduct rather than a condemnation of him. His attribution of the removal to "a certain ethnic mafia" repeats an antisemitic conspiracy trope.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Bernie SandersU.S. Senator (I-VT)Before this statement
Posting on X in response to Macklemore's tour removal.
"In the United States of America, billionaire stadium owners should not be able to silence artists because they speak out on political issues. Today it is the genocide in Gaza. What's next? If they can silence one artist, they can silence anyone."
Defended or excusedCase context: Macklemore’s “Free Palestine” speech and removal from Ed Sheeran’s U.S. tour
Full statement and sources
Sen. Bernie Sanders criticized Robert Kraft over Macklemore's tour removal, saying "billionaire stadium owners should not be able to silence artists because they speak out on political issues."
After the statement
No further public follow-up had been reported as of this writing.
Why this label?
On Macklemore's MetLife message and conduct, Sanders argues that speaking out should not have cost the artist his place on the tour, and adopts Macklemore's own characterization of Gaza as a genocide. That treats the conduct under scrutiny as acceptable. His criticism of Robert Kraft is the target of the remark, not the case position: the removal is the consequence he rejects, not the conduct this case examines. Amended by classification correction 321.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Colin KaepernickFormer NFL quarterback; activistBefore this statement
Commenting on The MeidasTouch Podcast, drawing a parallel to his own experience being blackballed by the NFL.
"what Robert Kraft and what they're saying by denying Macklemore the opportunity to perform with Ed Sheeran is they are willing to collude"
Defended or excusedCase context: Macklemore’s “Free Palestine” speech and removal from Ed Sheeran’s U.S. tour
Full statement and sources
Colin Kaepernick accused Robert Kraft and NFL stadium owners of "colluding" to deny Macklemore the opportunity to perform, drawing a parallel to his own NFL blackballing.
After the statement
No further public follow-up had been reported as of this writing.
Why this label?
On Macklemore's MetLife message and conduct, Kaepernick argues the artist should not have been denied the stage for it and warns the precedent threatens anyone who takes an action the owners dislike. That treats the conduct under scrutiny as acceptable. Robert Kraft and the stadium owners are the target of the criticism, not the case position. Amended by classification correction 322.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Tucker CarlsonHost, The Tucker Carlson ShowBefore this statement
Reading Macklemore's own statement on-air, with guest Ana Kasparian, September 16, 2026.
"Criticism of the behavior of a secular government is not criticism of an entire people, many of whom disapprove... That is not Jew hate... it's not a defense of any one person. It's a defense of the truth... the inalienable right of every person to express their views."
Defended or excusedCase context: Macklemore’s “Free Palestine” speech and removal from Ed Sheeran’s U.S. tour
Full statement and sources
Tucker Carlson defended Macklemore's "Free Palestine" remarks as legitimate criticism of a government rather than antisemitism, and called Robert Kraft's role in Macklemore's tour removal "censorship" and "very foolish."
After the statement
Carlson noted that Kraft himself privately dislikes the Netanyahu government's behavior, calling the tour ban 'very foolish.'
Why this label?
Carlson directly defends Macklemore's 'Free Palestine' remarks as legitimate criticism of a government rather than antisemitism, and explicitly condemns Robert Kraft's role in the tour removal as censorship, a clear defense of Macklemore's conduct and condemnation of the response to it.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Kyle KulinskiHost, Secular TalkBefore this statement
Covering the fallout from Macklemore's tour removal and the openers who quit in solidarity.
"Ed Sheeran PANICS As Tour FALLS APART & FANS REVOLT!!"
Defended or excusedCase context: Macklemore’s “Free Palestine” speech and removal from Ed Sheeran’s U.S. tour
Full statement and sources
Commentator Kyle Kulinski covered the collapse of Ed Sheeran's tour lineup following Macklemore's removal, framing it as Sheeran facing fan backlash.
After the statement
No further follow-up on this specific point had been reported as of this writing.
Why this label?
Kulinski's framing sympathizes with Macklemore and the openers who quit in solidarity while criticizing the tour/Sheeran camp's handling, a defense of Macklemore's conduct in this dispute.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
- Sam SederHost, The Majority Report
Before this statement
Covering the fallout from Macklemore's tour removal on Majority Report Live.
"Zionist's Macklemore Cancellation Backfires"
Defended or excusedCase context: Macklemore’s “Free Palestine” speech and removal from Ed Sheeran’s U.S. tour
Full statement and sources
Majority Report host Sam Seder characterized the campaign to remove Macklemore from Ed Sheeran's tour as a "cancellation" that backfired.
After the statement
No further follow-up on this specific point had been reported as of this writing.
Why this label?
Seder's framing characterizes the campaign to remove Macklemore as a 'cancellation' that backfired, defending Macklemore and condemning the pressure campaign against him.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
- MacklemoreMusician; central figure in this disputeDirectly involved
Before this statement
In an Instagram carousel two days after being dropped from Ed Sheeran’s tour, Macklemore said he wanted to “bring the conversation back to where it belongs.” The post’s caption names the six recipient organizations.
"With everything that has happened over the last 48 hours, I want to bring the conversation back to where it belongs: to the Palestinian people who are still being killed, still living under military occupation, and still fighting for their freedom. I will be donating the entire $1 million of my net earnings from Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour to six organizations working directly to support the Palestinian people. And I invite Robert Kraft to match my donation. Whatever we disagree about, perhaps we can agree on this: Palestinian lives are worth protecting. A Palestinian life is no less valuable than any other life on this earth."
Defended or excusedCase context: Macklemore’s “Free Palestine” speech and removal from Ed Sheeran’s U.S. tour
Full statement and sources
Macklemore pledged $1 million — the entirety of his net earnings from Ed Sheeran's tour — to six organizations supporting Palestinians, and invited Robert Kraft to match the donation.
After the statement
Kraft released a statement shortly after, saying he had been contacted by Ed Sheeran to arrange a $2 million match.
Macklemore’s September 16 Instagram post pledging $1 million and naming six organizationsCarousel slide 1 carries the statement; the post caption names the six recipient accounts: @thepcrf, @heal.palestine, @gazasoupkitchen, @medicalaidpal, @unrwausa, @aneraorg.Why this label?
Macklemore reframes the dispute around a shared concern for Palestinian lives and commits his tour earnings to Palestinian relief organizations, extending and defending his original pro-Palestinian advocacy rather than retracting or moderating it.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Robert KraftOwner, New England Patriots and Gillette StadiumDirectly involvedBefore this statement
Issued via the Gillette Stadium X account shortly after Macklemore's pledge, describing coordination with Ed Sheeran.
"I have dedicated much of my life to building bridges between all people. I believe deeply that all lives are worth protecting. Earlier today, before Macklemore challenged me to match his donation, Ed called me and asked me to commit $2 million to match his donation to aid in the region to fight this humanitarian crisis. Ed now plans to reach out to other venue owners and our goal is to continue to work together to build bridges. In addition, I'd like the people who are speaking in support of the Palestinian people to know that for decades, I have supported efforts that create opportunity for Palestinians and have brought young Palestinians and Israelis together to build businesses, create jobs, and forge relationships."
Mixed or conditionalCase context: Macklemore’s “Free Palestine” speech and removal from Ed Sheeran’s U.S. tour
Full statement and sources
Robert Kraft said Ed Sheeran had contacted him to arrange a $2 million donation to aid the region, and that Sheeran plans to reach out to other venue owners as part of an effort to "build bridges."
After the statement
The statement did not address whether Kraft's earlier objection to Macklemore's performance at Gillette Stadium had changed.
Why this label?
Kraft agrees to a $2 million matching donation coordinated with Sheeran and frames it as building bridges; he also defends his own decades-long record supporting Palestinian-Israeli relationship-building. The statement is a philanthropic coordination gesture and self-defense of his record rather than a reversal of his earlier position that Macklemore's specific performance was not welcome at his venue, combining continued support for Palestinian relief with no retraction of the original stance.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Elan CarrChief executive, Israeli-American CouncilBefore this statement
Interviewed by Justin Webb on BBC Radio 4's Today programme, aired September 16, 2026.
"Free Palestine [is an antisemitic statement]... freedom of speech doesn't give the rapper the right to hijack a stage."
CondemnedCase context: Macklemore’s “Free Palestine” speech and removal from Ed Sheeran’s U.S. tour
Full statement and sources
Israeli-American Council chief executive Elan Carr said the phrase Free Palestine is antisemitic and that free speech did not give Macklemore the right to hijack the stage.
After the statement
Carr led the Israeli-American Council's earlier Sept 6 organizational call for Macklemore's removal from the tour.
Why this label?
Carr directly characterizes the Free Palestine statement itself as antisemitic and denies Macklemore had the right to use the stage for it, an express condemnation, going further than the IAC's earlier Sept 6 organizational statement in naming the phrase itself antisemitic.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Alexandria Ocasio-CortezU.S. Representative (D-NY)Before this statement
Speaking to reporters on September 15, 2026, two days after Macklemore said he had been dropped from the tour.
"When you see what Robert Kraft did to line up all of the stadiums to censor speech in that one specific way, it's become clear that this is not just about one music artist or two music artists, but this is about how just a handful of stadium owners and the elite can prevent an entire massive issue, in this case, the genocide in Gaza."
Defended or excusedCase context: Macklemore’s “Free Palestine” speech and removal from Ed Sheeran’s U.S. tour
Full statement and sources
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez condemned Robert Kraft for organizing stadium owners to remove Macklemore from the tour, calling it censorship of speech about what she termed "the genocide in Gaza," and warned it could set a precedent for silencing any artist who speaks out.
After the statement
She separately said she personally intends to change the channel whenever Sheeran's music plays, while saying she believes the right thing for Sheeran to do is speak out, though she is not privy to his contractual obligations.
Why this label?
Ocasio-Cortez condemns Robert Kraft for organizing stadium owners to remove Macklemore, framing it as censorship of speech about Gaza, and adopts Macklemore's own characterization of the conflict as genocide -- a defense of Macklemore's advocacy and a condemnation of his removal, consistent with other Democratic officials already in this case.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Ben ShapiroConservative political commentator, host of The Ben Shapiro ShowBefore this statement
Said live on Fox News' America's Newsroom, September 15, 2026, discussing Macklemore's removal from Ed Sheeran's tour.
"I think it's a good decision by Bob Kraft. I mean, obviously he owns the stadium. So if he doesn't want somebody spewing nonsense from the stage, he has every capacity to do that on a PR level... on the principle, he did the right thing."
CondemnedCase context: Macklemore’s “Free Palestine” speech and removal from Ed Sheeran’s U.S. tour
Full statement and sources
Ben Shapiro said Robert Kraft made the right decision barring Macklemore from Gillette Stadium, calling Macklemore's on-stage remarks "nonsense" and suggesting Macklemore's motive was seeking notoriety, while saying the decision may have backfired publicly (comparing it to the Streisand effect).
After the statement
Shapiro also said Macklemore 'openly' admitted the only reason he was doing this was for the notoriety, and separately argued the removal may have generated a 'Streisand effect' that gave Macklemore more attention than if he had been left alone.
Why this label?
Shapiro calls Macklemore's on-stage remarks 'nonsense,' says Macklemore 'openly' admitted his only motive was notoriety, and states Kraft was correct 'on the principle' to exclude him -- an express condemnation of Macklemore's conduct, distinct from his separate (and more neutral) observation that the exclusion may have backfired tactically.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Jonathan GreenblattCEO of the Anti-Defamation LeagueBefore this statement
Greenblatt posted after Macklemore was removed from the remaining U.S. dates of Ed Sheeran’s tour.
"Glad to see Macklemore off Ed Sheeran’s tour. For years, Macklemore has pushed antisemitic tropes and demonized Israel and Israelis. Now he certainly has the 1A right to speak out and express his views, but demonizing Jews and Israelis shouldn’t be rewarded."
CondemnedCase context: Macklemore’s “Free Palestine” speech and removal from Ed Sheeran’s U.S. tour
Full statement and sources
ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt welcomed Macklemore’s removal from Ed Sheeran’s tour and said demonizing Jews and Israelis should not be rewarded.
After the statement
The post distinguishes Macklemore’s right to speak from whether the speech should be rewarded with a tour slot.
Jonathan Greenblatt welcomes Macklemore’s removal from Ed Sheeran’s tourComplete X post and timestampWhy this label?
Greenblatt expressly approves the tour removal and describes Macklemore’s conduct as antisemitic and as demonizing Jews and Israelis, which is a direct condemnation.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Patrick ManteigaMember of the Tampa Sports Authority board Before this statement
In June, Raymond James Stadium hosted two Ye concerts despite pushback from residents, Jewish leaders and Florida politicians. The Tampa Bay Times reported that the Tampa Sports Authority condemned antisemitism but said canceling the shows could spark First Amendment challenges, and that a clause in Ye's contract barred it from canceling over prior public statements or political viewpoints.
"After going through the Kanye thing, I would hate to say that the First Amendment matters there and it doesn’t matter here I’m happy to side on the First Amendment all day long."
Defended or excusedCase context: Macklemore’s “Free Palestine” speech and removal from Ed Sheeran’s U.S. tour
Full statement and sources
Patrick Manteiga, a member of the Tampa Sports Authority board, told the Tampa Bay Times that after the authority's experience with the Ye concerts he would hate to say the First Amendment matters in that case but not for Macklemore. He said he is happy to side on the First Amendment all day long.
After the statement
The Times also reported that Manteiga and board member Joe Robinson directed questions about artists and their contracts to the authority's staff, and that the authority said it had no records of Sheeran's contract.
Tampa didn’t seek to kick Macklemore off RayJay show, board member saysArticle body, paragraphs on the Tampa Sports Authority board members' comments to the Tampa Bay TimesWhy this label?
The case looks at Macklemore's Free Palestine speech and his removal from the tour. Manteiga said he would hate to say the First Amendment mattered for Ye's Tampa concerts but not for Macklemore, and that he is happy to side with the First Amendment. That supports Macklemore's right to perform, so we labeled it Defended or excused, as with other statements that support Macklemore's right to speak.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Alan ClendeninTampa City Council chairperson and member of the Tampa Sports Authority board Before this statement
The Tampa Sports Authority is the public agency that manages Raymond James Stadium, where the Loop Tour was set to end in November. The Tampa Bay Times reported that Sheeran said his promoter made the decision to remove Macklemore, and it asked whether Tampa leaders had influenced that decision.
"The Tampa Sports Authority’s position hasn’t changed: We don’t get involved in freedom of speech issues We are a public facility and we’re doing business as the Tampa Sports Authority. This had to do with certain owners that are not in the city of Tampa taking a stance, and they are discussing with the artists involved. This is between other stadiums, the artists, and the artists’ promoters."
Explicitly stayed outCase context: Macklemore’s “Free Palestine” speech and removal from Ed Sheeran’s U.S. tour
Full statement and sources
Alan Clendenin, chairperson of the Tampa City Council and a member of the Tampa Sports Authority board, told the Tampa Bay Times that Macklemore's removal from the Loop Tour had nothing to do with the authority. He said the authority does not get involved in free speech issues and called the matter one between other stadiums, the artists and their promoters.
After the statement
The Times reported that board members Patrick Manteiga and Joe Robinson directed questions about artists and their contracts to the authority's staff, and that the authority said it had no records of Sheeran's contract. Robinson said Gillette Stadium is privately owned and that, as a public stadium, Raymond James must follow the laws on the books.
Tampa didn’t seek to kick Macklemore off RayJay show, board member saysArticle body, paragraphs on the Tampa Sports Authority board members' comments to the Tampa Bay TimesWhy this label?
The case looks at Macklemore's Free Palestine speech and his removal from the tour. Clendenin did not take a side on either. He said the Tampa Sports Authority does not get involved in free speech issues and pointed to other stadiums, the artists and their promoters as the parties involved, so we labeled it Explicitly stayed out.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Myles SmithBritish singer-songwriter and former Ed Sheeran tour support actBefore this statement
Smith addressed online debate following Macklemore’s MetLife Stadium speech and the surrounding tour controversy.
"Ed is not the victim here. Palestinians are. But let’s not get confused: Ed is also not the perpetrator."
Mixed or conditionalCase context: Macklemore’s “Free Palestine” speech and removal from Ed Sheeran’s U.S. tour
Full statement and sources
Myles Smith said Palestinians were the victims while also saying Ed Sheeran was not the perpetrator, pairing support for Palestinian freedom with a defense of Sheeran.
After the statement
Smith said support for Palestinian life, safety, and freedom did not require betraying someone he regarded as a good human being.
Why this label?
The statement supports the Palestinian perspective associated with Macklemore’s advocacy while rejecting a characterization of Sheeran as a perpetrator.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Jesse WattersFox News host, co-host of "The Five"Before this statement
Kraft had said Macklemore was barred from Gillette Stadium over "a broader history of antisemitic rhetoric and imagery" and material shared from the stage during the New Jersey shows; the tour promoter said venues would not host a concert with Macklemore on the lineup.
"So what did he say that was bad? He said, free Palestine? Is that all? Okay, all I heard was free Palestine. I don't think that's hate speech... You know, if Rob Kraft doesn't want you there, he owns the venue, you're gone, who cares? Who cares?! If Greg's on my tour and he's spouting off and annoying me, I'm giving him the boot. I don't even care if it's political. If he even looks at me the wrong way if I take him on tour, he is gone."
Mixed or conditionalCase context: Macklemore’s “Free Palestine” speech and removal from Ed Sheeran’s U.S. tour
Full statement and sources
On the September 15 broadcast of Fox News's "The Five," Jesse Watters questioned why Macklemore's "free Palestine" remark was being treated as hate speech, saying that's all he heard Macklemore say and he did not think it qualified. He then said Robert Kraft was within his rights to bar Macklemore from his venue regardless, comparing it to how he would remove anyone annoying or political from his own hypothetical tour.
After the statement
Watters's co-hosts on "The Five" spoke over him in response, saying Macklemore's remarks were more extreme than the free-Palestine line alone. Hasan Piker replayed the clip approvingly on his September 17 YouTube show, framing it as evidence that "even Fox News" recognized the removal as excessive, though the clip itself does not go that far.
Fox's Jesse Watters Defends Macklemore Over 'Free Palestine' Call That Got Him Cancelled: 'Is That All?' · MediaiteArticle body, quoting Watters's remarks on the September 15, 2026 broadcast of Fox News's "The Five."Why this label?
Watters takes two materially different positions on the two parts of that. On the speech itself, he rejects the "hate speech" characterization and says he heard nothing objectionable, which favors Macklemore. On the removal, he does not criticize it at all; he affirmatively defends Kraft's prerogative to exclude Macklemore from the venue regardless of the reason, comparing it to ejecting anyone who annoys him. That is a defense of the conduct under scrutiny, not a condemnation of it. The closest competing label is condemns, since several outlets framed this as Watters "defending" Macklemore; that framing describes only the first half of the clip. It loses because the second half is an explicit shrug at the removal itself ("who cares?"), which is not a criticism of Kraft's action. “Mixed or conditional” is used because the two positions are about different components of the same conduct under scrutiny and are not reconciled in the clip.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Krystal BallCo-host, Breaking PointsBefore this statement
Discussing Macklemore's tour removal on Breaking Points, co-hosted with Saagar Enjeti.
"didn't do anything wrong... he's a real one... complete cowardice on the part of Sheeran"
Defended or excusedCase context: Macklemore’s “Free Palestine” speech and removal from Ed Sheeran’s U.S. tour
Full statement and sources
Breaking Points co-host Krystal Ball said Macklemore "didn't do anything wrong" and called Ed Sheeran's response "complete cowardice."
After the statement
Co-host Saagar Enjeti also condemned Robert Kraft's behind-the-scenes pressure on the tour.
Why this label?
Ball explicitly says Macklemore 'didn't do anything wrong' and praises him, while condemning Sheeran's response as cowardice -- a direct defense of Macklemore in this dispute.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Roger WatersMusician; co-founder of Pink FloydBefore this statement
Posting an Instagram video Tuesday, September 15, 2026, addressed directly to Sheeran.
"There's two kinds of people in this world: There's people who do the right thing, that rapper Macklemore would be one of those people. And there's people, many of them sadly little ... pricks like you, who do the wrong thing. Goodbye."
Defended or excusedCase context: Macklemore’s “Free Palestine” speech and removal from Ed Sheeran’s U.S. tour
Full statement and sources
Pink Floyd co-founder Roger Waters posted an Instagram video calling Macklemore someone who "does the right thing" and calling Ed Sheeran a "little prick" for his handling of the removal.
After the statement
No further public follow-up had been reported as of this writing.
Why this label?
Waters explicitly praises Macklemore as someone who 'does the right thing' and condemns Sheeran, defending Macklemore's conduct in the underlying dispute.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Ben RhodesWriter and foreign-policy commentator, former deputy national security adviser, posting on XBefore this statement
Consequence had reported hours earlier that Sheeran was left without any opening acts or a backing band after the four supporting acts withdrew.
"When your only response to dissent is to use power and wealth to make it go away, you are going to have the opposite effect. People can see what’s happening in the Middle East with their eyes and don’t want to be told what they’re allowed to think by people who own stadiums."
Defended or excusedCase context: Macklemore’s “Free Palestine” speech and removal from Ed Sheeran’s U.S. tour
Full statement and sources
Quote-posting a report that Ed Sheeran had lost all his supporting acts, Ben Rhodes argued that using power and wealth to suppress dissent backfires, and criticised stadium owners for telling audiences what they may think.
After the statement
Rhodes does not name Macklemore, Sheeran or Robert Kraft. His reference to “people who own stadiums” tracks the venue owners at the centre of this dispute, and his characterisation of events in the Middle East is his own.
Ben Rhodes on the response to dissent over Macklemore’s removalPost by @brhodes timestamped 9:17 p.m. ET, September 15, 2026 (2026-09-16T01:17:02Z), quote-posting Consequence’s item “Ed Sheeran is now without any opening acts or a backing band.”Why this label?
Relative to Macklemore’s MetLife speech and his removal, Rhodes casts the response to that speech as an attempt to use power and wealth to make dissent disappear, and rejects the idea that stadium owners should determine what audiences may think. He defends the speech and criticises those who pressed for the removal. The quote-posted item about Sheeran losing his supporting acts establishes the connection to this dispute rather than to the wider conflict.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Richard Boyd BarrettTeachta Dála for Dún Laoghaire, commenting on Aaron Rowe’s postBefore this statement
Aaron Rowe had announced hours earlier that he was withdrawing as a support act on the Loop Tour, citing Irish history and billionaires silencing speech.
"So proud of Aaron. A brave and selfless act to stand with Palestine & humanity against Israel’s barbarism and the billionaires that support their crimes. Aaron you have upheld Ireland’s noble tradition of resistance to colonialism & Empire. So proud!"
Defended or excusedCase context: Macklemore’s “Free Palestine” speech and removal from Ed Sheeran’s U.S. tour
Full statement and sources
The Irish TD Richard Boyd Barrett praised Aaron Rowe for withdrawing from the Loop Tour, describing it as a brave act against Israel and the billionaires he said support its actions.
After the statement
The characterisations of Israel’s conduct and of the stadium owners are the speaker’s own and are contested by other speakers in this case. The comment names Rowe rather than Macklemore, Sheeran or the promoter.
Richard Boyd Barrett comment on Aaron Rowe’s withdrawal postComment by @richardboydbarrett beneath Aaron Rowe’s September 15 withdrawal post.Why this label?
Relative to Macklemore’s MetLife speech and his removal, Boyd Barrett endorses the act of standing with Palestine against what he calls the billionaires supporting Israel’s conduct, which in this dispute refers to the stadium owners who pressed for Macklemore’s removal. He praises the protest rather than only expressing sympathy. The comment addresses Rowe’s withdrawal directly and Macklemore’s removal only through it, which is why it sits at the edge of the case scope.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Rashida TlaibU.S. representative for Michigan’s 12th Congressional District, speaking to TMZBefore this statement
TMZ approached Tlaib on September 15, the day Sheeran said the removal had been the promoter’s decision. Macklemore had alleged that Robert Kraft organised pressure against him.
"Folks have platforms and use their positions to express their feelings around human rights, around protecting people, but it seems there’s always an exception when it comes to Palestinian lives.” … “It’s unfortunate because he said he doesn’t want to take sides, but he did on Ukraine. ‘I’m for human rights,’ except for Palestinians. … There’s always an exception for Palestinian people, as if we’re disposable.” … “I stopped respecting him."
Defended or excusedCase context: Macklemore’s “Free Palestine” speech and removal from Ed Sheeran’s U.S. tour
Full statement and sources
Asked about Macklemore’s removal, Rep. Rashida Tlaib said she had stopped respecting Ed Sheeran, contrasted his advocacy on Ukraine with his silence on Palestine, and said stadium owners were suppressing speech. She called for a boycott and said Robert Kraft and other billionaires should be investigated.
After the statement
Tlaib also said “these billionaires that own these stadiums, which are publicly funded stadiums, are trying to breach someone’s First Amendment right,” and said Kraft and others “should actually be investigated for being tied to Epstein.” Both are her assertions and are not established findings. TMZ notes in the same article that Gillette Stadium is among the few privately financed NFL stadiums, which conflicts with her description of publicly funded venues.
Rep. Rashida Tlaib Torches Ed Sheeran, Robert Kraft Over MacklemoreArticle and accompanying exclusive video, “Rashida Tlaib Defends Macklemore, Torches Ed Sheeran and Robert Kraft,” filmed by Charlie Cotton for TMZ DC. Published 10:09 a.m. PDT, September 15, 2026.Rep. Tlaib Eviscerates Ed Sheeran For Supporting Ukraine, Silence On Palestine As Macklemore Controversy EscalatesQuotations transcribed from the TMZ interview, published 3:02 p.m., September 15, 2026.Why this label?
Relative to Macklemore’s MetLife speech and his removal, Tlaib defends the speech and condemns the removal, framing it as the suppression of advocacy for Palestinians. She goes beyond criticising the outcome to endorse the stand Macklemore took, and names Sheeran and Kraft as responsible.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
BeogaTraditional Irish band that performed within Ed Sheeran’s set on the Loop TourBefore this statement
The band said it had been friends with Sheeran for more than ten years and would remain so.
"We are Irish people who understand colonialism. As founding members of the Irish Artists for Palestine movement, we are committed activists for justice and will continue to be."
Defended or excusedCase context: Macklemore’s “Free Palestine” speech and removal from Ed Sheeran’s U.S. tour
Full statement and sources
Beoga, which performed inside Sheeran’s own set, announced it was leaving the tour, citing Irish history and saying it would not play venues that silence advocacy for Palestine.
After the statement
Reporting also quotes the statement objecting to “the silencing of Macklemore by zionist lobbies,” a characterisation that is the band’s own. The post was captioned “Saoirse don Phailistín,” Irish for “Freedom for Palestine.”
Beoga’s September 15 Instagram statement leaving Ed Sheeran’s tourPost captioned “A statement from us all. Saoirse don Phailistín 🇵🇸”; statement carried in the post’s images.Four supporting acts quit Ed Sheeran tour after Macklemore’s removal for pro-Palestinian commentsParagraphs quoting Aaron Rowe and Beoga.Finneas and other acts exit Ed Sheeran tour to protest Macklemore being dropped over pro-Palestinian remarksParagraphs quoting Finneas, Lukas Graham and Beoga.Why this label?
Relative to Macklemore’s speech and removal, Beoga objects to venues silencing Palestine advocacy and leaves in protest, which defends the speech at issue.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Aaron RoweIrish singer-songwriter, a support act on the North American leg of the Loop Tour Before this statement
Rowe had been among the acts due to replace Macklemore on the remaining U.S. dates.
"Ed has been a friend to me and has changed my life, I could never thank him enough for this. But as Irish people we know all too well about genocide, forced famine, and violent occupation."
Defended or excusedCase context: Macklemore’s “Free Palestine” speech and removal from Ed Sheeran’s U.S. tour
Full statement and sources
Aaron Rowe announced he was withdrawing as a support act, praising Sheeran personally while saying he could not stand by while billionaires silenced voices speaking out over Palestine.
After the statement
He wrote that he could not “stand by and allow billionaires to use their position of power to silence the rightful voices of those who speak up.” The genocide characterisation is his own.
Aaron Rowe’s September 15 Instagram statement withdrawing from Ed Sheeran’s tourStatement image post.Four supporting acts quit Ed Sheeran tour after Macklemore’s removal for pro-Palestinian commentsParagraphs quoting Aaron Rowe and Beoga.Ed Sheeran addresses Macklemore’s tour exit amid Robert Kraft boycott claimsPassages quoting Sheeran, Aaron Rowe, Ms. Rachel, Kneecap, Mayor Hammoud and Rep. Jayapal.Why this label?
Relative to Macklemore’s speech and removal, Rowe casts the removal as billionaires silencing rightful voices and withdraws in protest. His warmth toward Sheeran personally does not qualify that conclusion.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Lukas GrahamDanish band, a support act on the Loop TourBefore this statement
The band traced the position to its roots in a Danish community where “speaking your mind was part of everyday life.”
"We should be able to speak about war, about civilians being killed, about children who deserve to grow up. Wherever they live. Whatever flag flies over them.” … “Money doesn’t give you the right to own the conversation."
Defended or excusedCase context: Macklemore’s “Free Palestine” speech and removal from Ed Sheeran’s U.S. tour
Full statement and sources
Lukas Graham announced the band was leaving the remaining tour dates, apologising to fans and arguing that wealth should not determine who is allowed to speak.
After the statement
The statement expressed continuing affection for Sheeran while saying the band could not carry on with the tour as things stood.
Lukas Graham’s September 15 Instagram statement withdrawing from Ed Sheeran’s tourStatement image post.Finneas, Lukas Graham Leave Ed Sheeran Tour After Macklemore’s RemovalParagraphs quoting Finneas and Lukas Graham.Finneas and other acts exit Ed Sheeran tour to protest Macklemore being dropped over pro-Palestinian remarksParagraphs quoting Finneas, Lukas Graham and Beoga.Why this label?
Relative to Macklemore’s speech and removal, the band frames the episode as money deciding who may speak, and withdraws in protest. That defends the speech rather than simply regretting the outcome.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
FinneasMusician and producer, scheduled to support Ed Sheeran on the South American leg of the Loop TourBefore this statement
Finneas posted roughly an hour after Aaron Rowe announced his own withdrawal, and hours after Sheeran’s statement.
"Artists must not be silenced when they speak up for the oppressed. I have decided to withdraw from my upcoming tour dates with Ed Sheeran. I stand with Palestine and its people."
Defended or excusedCase context: Macklemore’s “Free Palestine” speech and removal from Ed Sheeran’s U.S. tour
Full statement and sources
Finneas announced on Instagram that he was withdrawing from his upcoming Ed Sheeran dates, saying artists must not be silenced for speaking up for the oppressed.
After the statement
He was due to support Sheeran in South America from November. Reporting notes his earlier participation in a Palestine relief benefit.
Finneas’s September 15 Instagram statement withdrawing from Ed Sheeran’s tourStatement image post.Finneas, Lukas Graham Leave Ed Sheeran Tour After Macklemore’s RemovalParagraphs quoting Finneas and Lukas Graham.Finneas and other acts exit Ed Sheeran tour to protest Macklemore being dropped over pro-Palestinian remarksParagraphs quoting Finneas, Lukas Graham and Beoga.Why this label?
Relative to Macklemore’s MetLife speech and his removal, Finneas treats the removal as silencing an artist who spoke up, and withdraws in protest. Both the stated reason and the action defend the speech rather than merely commenting on the tour.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
- Ed SheeranMusician and headliner of the Loop TourDirectly involved
Before this statement
Macklemore had alleged that Robert Kraft organised a stadium boycott and gave Sheeran an ultimatum. Sheeran said it was important to “set out some facts.”
"Macklemore coming off tour was the promoter’s decision, it was not mine.” … “I spoke with venues at length all week to try and build a bridge. One of those people was Robert Kraft.” … “I am not complicit. I have my personal views on this devastating conflict. Just because I choose not to speak publicly, it doesn’t mean I don’t have them, and it doesn’t mean I don’t care."
Mixed or conditionalCase context: Macklemore’s “Free Palestine” speech and removal from Ed Sheeran’s U.S. tour
Full statement and sources
In a long Instagram statement, Sheeran said the promoter and venues made the final decision, that he had spent the week trying to keep Macklemore on the tour, and that he does not use his platform for politics. He said he respects Macklemore while declining to state a public position on the war.
After the statement
Sheeran said his audience includes children of all backgrounds who “do not expect a political forum,” and that there is room for multiple approaches to peace. He described himself as “appalled” by the war and called the suffering on both sides “a human tragedy.”
Ed Sheeran’s September 15 Instagram statement on Macklemore’s removal from the Loop TourPost captioned “It’s important that I set out some facts.”; statement carried across the post’s images.Ed Sheeran Breaks Silence on Macklemore Leaving Tour: Venue, Promoter Made ‘Final’ DecisionsParagraphs quoting the Instagram statement.Ed Sheeran addresses Macklemore’s tour exit amid Robert Kraft boycott claimsPassages quoting Sheeran, Aaron Rowe, Ms. Rachel, Kneecap, Mayor Hammoud and Rep. Jayapal.Why this label?
Relative to Macklemore's MetLife speech and his removal from the tour, Sheeran combines two materially different positions rather than resolving them. He defends Macklemore's freedom to make the speech, saying he agreed that support acts play a setlist of their choosing, that he respects Macklemore as an artist, and that he spent the week speaking with venue owners including Robert Kraft to try to keep him on the tour. At the same time he declines to endorse the message, stating that he does not use his professional platform for politics and that he chooses not to speak publicly on the conflict, and he accepts the outcome rather than contesting it further, citing his obligations to fans and crew. Neither element cancels the other, which is what “Mixed or conditional” records. The closest competing label is “Explicitly stayed out”, which loses because Sheeran does not merely refuse to address the matter: he makes substantive attributable statements about Macklemore's setlist freedom and about his own efforts to keep him on the tour. A reading that this is not a position event also loses, because his defence of the setlist agreement and his stated respect for Macklemore's purpose are evaluations of the conduct under scrutiny, not only of his own role.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Abdullah HammoudMayor of Dearborn, MichiganBefore this statement
Dearborn is home to the largest Arab American community in the United States.
"Hey @macklemore, if they don’t want you performing in their stadiums, you’re always welcome in Dearborn. Come put on a show here."
Defended or excusedCase context: Macklemore’s “Free Palestine” speech and removal from Ed Sheeran’s U.S. tour
Full statement and sources
Mayor Abdullah Hammoud publicly invited Macklemore to perform at a free, city-sponsored concert after his removal from the tour.
After the statement
The invitation was posted on X. It does not address Sheeran, the promoter or the venues by name.
Ed Sheeran addresses Macklemore’s tour exit amid Robert Kraft boycott claimsPassages quoting Sheeran, Aaron Rowe, Ms. Rachel, Kneecap, Mayor Hammoud and Rep. Jayapal.Why this label?
Relative to Macklemore’s speech and removal, Hammoud answers the exclusion with a public invitation, contrasting the stadiums that dropped him with his own city. The offer is an attributable rejection of the exclusion rather than neutral hospitality.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
KneecapIrish-language rap groupBefore this statement
The post appeared amid widespread reaction to Macklemore’s removal from the tour.
"All love and solidarity to @macklemore. FREE PALESTINE."
Defended or excusedCase context: Macklemore’s “Free Palestine” speech and removal from Ed Sheeran’s U.S. tour
Full statement and sources
The Irish rap group Kneecap posted a photograph with Macklemore captioned with a message of solidarity and a call to free Palestine.
After the statement
Reporting notes the group previously contested a terrorism charge in the United Kingdom. The post is an expression of solidarity and does not address the promoter or the venues.
Ed Sheeran addresses Macklemore’s tour exit amid Robert Kraft boycott claimsPassages quoting Sheeran, Aaron Rowe, Ms. Rachel, Kneecap, Mayor Hammoud and Rep. Jayapal.Why this label?
Relative to Macklemore’s speech and removal, Kneecap expresses solidarity with him by name and repeats the phrase at the centre of the dispute. The caption is brief but attributable and directed at Macklemore rather than at the conflict generally.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Juliet MosesLawyer and commentator, speaking in a personal capacity Before this statement
Moses quote-posted Variety’s report about Macklemore’s removal from the remaining U.S. dates of Ed Sheeran’s tour.
"The moral narcissism of this guy. People don’t generally pay to go to concerts (certainly not Ed Sheeran ones) to get lectured by a dropkick about geopolitics, and objecting to that doesn’t make them bad people. It’s like giving a speech about cancer at someone’s wedding and then saying well cancer is more important than your feelings and so it’s my right and duty to give a speech about cancer and if you complain about it you obviously don’t care about cancer. There are layers of logical fallacy here. As I’ve noted before, sufferers of Israel derangement syndrome think that everybody else should be as deranged as they are, and that those who are not are morally inferior."
CondemnedCase context: Macklemore’s “Free Palestine” speech and removal from Ed Sheeran’s U.S. tour
Full statement and sources
Juliet Moses criticized Macklemore for using an Ed Sheeran concert to address geopolitics and rejected the idea that objecting to the speech means indifference to the underlying issue.
After the statement
Her post argues that an audience’s objection to a political speech at a concert does not make that audience indifferent to the issue discussed.
Juliet Moses criticizes Macklemore’s use of Ed Sheeran’s stage for a political speechComplete X post and timestampWhy this label?
Moses directly criticizes Macklemore’s use of the concert stage for the political speech, which is a direct condemnation of the conduct at issue.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Lucy CaldwellPolitical consultant and board adviser writing on her personal X accountBefore this statement
Caldwell quote-posted reporting that Macklemore had been removed from scheduled Ed Sheeran tour dates after his ‘Free Palestine’ stage speech.
"This will backfire spectacularly on Kraft et al (and proponents of the current Israeli government around war in Gaza). Most of us were unaware of Macklemore’s on-stage advocacy. Now, in the aftermath of this move by Sheeran (direct result of Kraft’s ultimatum), Macklemore is going to get an insane amount of positive earned media."
Defended or excusedCase context: Macklemore’s “Free Palestine” speech and removal from Ed Sheeran’s U.S. tour
Full statement and sources
Lucy Caldwell predicted that Macklemore’s removal from Ed Sheeran’s remaining U.S. dates would draw positive attention to his on-stage advocacy. She characterized the decision as the result of ‘Kraft’s ultimatum.’
After the statement
She predicts the reported action will elevate Macklemore’s profile and be counterproductive for Kraft and supporters of Israel’s current government. The post does not independently establish any decision-maker’s motive or coordination.
Lucy Caldwell says Macklemore’s removal will ‘backfire spectacularly’Complete September 14 postWhy this label?
Caldwell predicts the reported removal will backfire and generate positive attention for Macklemore.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Pramila JayapalU.S. representative for Washington’s 7th Congressional DistrictBefore this statement
Jayapal responded after reports that Macklemore would no longer perform the remaining U.S. dates of Ed Sheeran’s tour.
"It’s so incredibly disappointing that Macklemore, my constituent, was removed from Ed Sheeran’s tour because of his comments in support of the Palestinian people. We should all be outraged that powerful people are more upset about what an artist says than the displacement, starvation, and killing of innocent Palestinian children and families. Thank you, Macklemore, for speaking up. This is a moment for us to come together, find our moral conscience as a nation, and end this genocide."
Defended or excusedCase context: Macklemore’s “Free Palestine” speech and removal from Ed Sheeran’s U.S. tour
Full statement and sources
Rep. Pramila Jayapal called Macklemore’s removal from Ed Sheeran’s tour “incredibly disappointing,” thanked him for speaking up, and framed his remarks as support for Palestinian people.
After the statement
The post treats Macklemore’s on-stage comments as support for Palestinians and urges an end to what Jayapal calls genocide.
Pramila Jayapal responds to Macklemore’s removal from Ed Sheeran’s tourComplete X post and timestampWhy this label?
Jayapal directly criticizes Macklemore’s removal and explicitly thanks him for his speech, which supports a defense of the conduct at issue.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Ilhan OmarU.S. representative for Minnesota’s 5th Congressional DistrictBefore this statement
Omar quoted a Rolling Stone report that Macklemore had been removed from Ed Sheeran’s tour after his on-stage “Free Palestine” statements.
"Thank you @macklemore for using your platform and continuing to speak out against the genocide. None of us are free until all of us are free ✊🏽"
Defended or excusedCase context: Macklemore’s “Free Palestine” speech and removal from Ed Sheeran’s U.S. tour
Full statement and sources
Rep. Ilhan Omar thanked Macklemore for using his platform and continuing to speak out against what she described as genocide.
After the statement
Her post thanks Macklemore directly for continuing to speak out.
Ilhan Omar thanks Macklemore for speaking outComplete X post and timestampWhy this label?
Omar expressly praises Macklemore’s speech and frames it as advocacy against genocide, which supports a defense of the conduct at issue.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Rania KhalekJournalist and host of Dispatches on BreakThrough NewsBefore this statement
Khalek quote-posted Variety’s report about Macklemore’s removal from the remaining U.S. dates of Ed Sheeran’s tour.
"The cowardice here is unbelievable. People like Ed Sheeran can afford to stand on the right side of history and still be successful and rich. They choose not to out of cowardice, ignorance or both. Macklemore deserves sooo much praise. And billionaires like Robert Kraft who enforced this nonsense are villains."
Defended or excusedCase context: Macklemore’s “Free Palestine” speech and removal from Ed Sheeran’s U.S. tour
Full statement and sources
Journalist Rania Khalek praised Macklemore and criticized Ed Sheeran and Robert Kraft after Macklemore’s removal from the tour.
After the statement
She criticized Ed Sheeran and Robert Kraft while praising Macklemore.
Rania Khalek praises Macklemore after his removal from Ed Sheeran’s tourComplete X post and timestampWhy this label?
Khalek expressly says Macklemore deserves praise and condemns the reported consequence of his speech, which supports a defense of the conduct at issue.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
- Ms. RachelChildren’s educator and video creator, writing on her own verified Instagram account
Before this statement
Published amid the dispute over Macklemore’s pro-Palestinian MetLife speech and his reported removal from Sheeran’s tour. The selected excerpt is the text image’s opening sentence; its original wording is preserved.
"Ed Sheeran had an opportunity show that we won’t be bullied into punishing people for supporting Palestine."
Defended or excusedCase context: Macklemore’s “Free Palestine” speech and removal from Ed Sheeran’s U.S. tour
Full statement and sources
Ms. Rachel argues against punishing people for supporting Palestine and criticizes Sheeran for yielding to pressure. She urges others to oppose what she describes as genocide in Gaza.
After the statement
The image continues by urging public opposition to what she calls genocide in Gaza; the caption criticizes unequal concern for children’s deaths. The post names Sheeran, not Macklemore. DeFranco’s same-day coverage connects a separate Ms. Rachel statement to Macklemore’s removal at 13:43–13:52.
Ms. Rachel criticizes Ed Sheeran over pressure against support for Palestine · Ms. RachelPost DdR1LH3gYBP: text image, opening sentence; accompanying captionPhilip DeFranco criticizes Ed Sheeran's response to Macklemore's tour removal · Philip DeFranco13:10–13:41; selected quotation at 13:11; separate continuation at 13:53–14:01Why this label?
On Macklemore’s pro-Palestinian MetLife speech, Ms. Rachel supports speaking out for Palestine and rejects punishment for doing so. Her criticism of Sheeran’s response supports that defense; it does not condemn Macklemore’s speech.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Aymeric CaronMember of the French National Assembly, speaking in a personal capacityBefore this statement
Caron quote-posted Variety’s report about Macklemore’s removal from the remaining U.S. dates of Ed Sheeran’s tour.
"Ed Sheeran doesn't like it when people support Palestine. Good to know. (Translated from French. Original: Ed Sheeran n’aime pas qu’on soutienne la Palestine. Bon à savoir.)"
Defended or excusedCase context: Macklemore’s “Free Palestine” speech and removal from Ed Sheeran’s U.S. tour
Full statement and sources
French National Assembly member Aymeric Caron wrote that Ed Sheeran “doesn’t like it when people support Palestine” in response to the report about Macklemore’s removal.
After the statement
X displays an automatic English translation alongside the original French post.
Aymeric Caron reacts to Macklemore’s removal from Ed Sheeran’s tourComplete X post and timestampWhy this label?
Caron frames Macklemore’s speech as support for Palestine and criticizes the consequence of it, which supports a defense of the conduct at issue.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
StopAntisemitismInstitutional social-media statement by an antisemitism advocacy organizationBefore this statement
StopAntisemitism posted after reports that Macklemore had been removed from the remaining U.S. tour dates.
"Breaking: antisemite Macklemore is dropped from Ed Sheeran’s tour. Thank you to @Pink for calling out Macklemore’s problematic behavior and for not backing down when the haters came after you!"
CondemnedCase context: Macklemore’s “Free Palestine” speech and removal from Ed Sheeran’s U.S. tour
Full statement and sources
StopAntisemitism described Macklemore as an antisemite, said he had been removed from Ed Sheeran’s tour, and thanked P!nk for criticizing him.
After the statement
The organization thanked P!nk for criticizing Macklemore’s behavior.
StopAntisemitism welcomes Macklemore’s removal from Ed Sheeran’s tourComplete X post and timestampWhy this label?
The organization explicitly labels Macklemore’s conduct antisemitic and endorses the removal, which is a direct condemnation of the conduct at issue.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Mehdi HasanJournalist and commentator writing on his personal X accountBefore this statement
Hasan was reacting to a report that Macklemore had been removed from scheduled Ed Sheeran tour dates after his ‘Free Palestine’ stage speech.
"This is insane. The so-called land of the free."
Defended or excusedCase context: Macklemore’s “Free Palestine” speech and removal from Ed Sheeran’s U.S. tour
Full statement and sources
Mehdi Hasan called the reported removal of Macklemore from Ed Sheeran’s tour dates ‘insane,’ framing it as inconsistent with the United States’ ‘land of the free’ ideal.
After the statement
His post criticizes the reported removal as a free-expression consequence.
Mehdi Hasan calls Macklemore’s removal from Ed Sheeran’s tour ‘insane’Complete September 14 post; opening sentenceWhy this label?
On Macklemore's MetLife message and conduct, Hasan calls the removal "insane" and inconsistent with a country that calls itself free. Treating the punishment as indefensible treats the conduct that drew it as acceptable. The post does not separately assess the merits of the speech, but under this taxonomy "Condemns" would require rejecting that speech, which it does not do. Amended by classification correction 323.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of IsraelPalestinian academic and cultural boycott campaign, in a statement published on the BDS Movement website Before this statement
PACBI published the call after Macklemore's removal from Ed Sheeran's U.S. tour. The page quotes Macklemore as saying there is no neutral position between the oppressor and the oppressed.
"Ed Sheeran and his team removed long-time friend and prominent artist Macklemore from his US tour for saying “Free Palestine” on stage, reportedly on the pretext that those words, and the Palestinian flag, are “hurtful” to some. This a perpetuation of anti-Palestinian racist talking points – coming from one of the world’s biggest artists."
Defended or excusedCase context: Macklemore’s “Free Palestine” speech and removal from Ed Sheeran’s U.S. tour
Full statement and sources
PACBI called on Ed Sheeran to cancel his U.S. tour and, until he does, asked opening artists, audience members and, where possible, crew members to boycott it. It said Sheeran and his team removed Macklemore for saying "Free Palestine" on stage, and called this a perpetuation of anti-Palestinian racist talking points.
After the statement
On September 15, PACBI added a response to Sheeran's own statement on the same page, repeating its call for him to reinvite Macklemore or cancel the tour.
Palestinians call on Ed Sheeran to cancel his compromised US tourFirst two paragraphs; the September 15 response section is at the end of the pageWhy this label?
The case looks at Macklemore's speech and the response to it. PACBI says he was removed for saying "Free Palestine" and calls that a perpetuation of anti-Palestinian racist talking points. Elsewhere the statement says he has spoken out bravely and consistently. That defends the speech and rejects the removal, so we labeled it Defended or excused.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Council on American-Islamic RelationsNational office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, in a press release quoting National Deputy Director Edward Ahmed MitchellBefore this statement
CAIR's release said stadiums had reportedly demanded that Ed Sheeran exclude Macklemore from his U.S. tour. It cited Rolling Stone as reporting that Macklemore had been scheduled for eight of the ten shows left on the U.S. leg.
"Macklemore is taking a courageous and moral stand and Mr. Sheeran should bravely stand with him. The companies responsible for this attack on free speech for the benefit of a foreign government must be held accountable."
Defended or excusedCase context: Macklemore’s “Free Palestine” speech and removal from Ed Sheeran’s U.S. tour
Full statement and sources
CAIR condemned Robert Kraft and other stadium owners for reportedly pressuring Ed Sheeran to drop Macklemore, and said any publicly owned stadium involved may have violated the First Amendment. It called Macklemore's stand courageous and moral and urged Sheeran to pursue legal options or reschedule his tour rather than give in.
After the statement
The release quotes Rolling Stone as reporting that, of the seven venues named, only the stadiums in Charlotte and Foxborough are privately owned and the rest are owned by cities, states or other government entities.
CAIR Condemns Censorship of Macklemore by Sports Stadiums Over Anti-Genocide Stance · Council on American-Islamic RelationsLast paragraph of the statement from CAIR National Deputy Director Edward Ahmed MitchellWhy this label?
The case looks at Macklemore's speech and the response to it. CAIR calls his stand courageous and moral and says he is being targeted for his views, which defends the speech. Its condemnation of Robert Kraft and the stadium owners is aimed at the removal, not at Macklemore, so we labeled it Defended or excused.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Liam CunninghamActorBefore this statement
Posted to X on September 14, 2026.
"We know who Ed Sheeran is now."
Defended or excusedCase context: Macklemore’s “Free Palestine” speech and removal from Ed Sheeran’s U.S. tour
Full statement and sources
Liam Cunningham posted a terse condemnation of Sheeran over the Macklemore removal.
After the statement
Cunningham's post was widely quoted by Irish and international outlets covering the fallout.
Why this label?
On Macklemore's conduct in giving the speech, Cunningham does not criticize Macklemore. His terse condemnation of Sheeran, posted in reaction to the removal, implicitly defends Macklemore's conduct as not warranting Sheeran's response.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Michael LevinePublic-relations executive giving a statement to a newspaperBefore this statement
The New York Post reported that Macklemore had been removed from the remaining Loop Tour support dates after venues objected. Levine was quoted in that report as praising the decision.
"Macklemore turned Ed Sheeran's concert into a political rally. Apparently, the one thing the crowd wanted freed was the stage."
CondemnedCase context: Macklemore’s “Free Palestine” speech and removal from Ed Sheeran’s U.S. tour
Full statement and sources
Levine, a public-relations executive, praised the decision to drop Macklemore from the tour and said he had turned Sheeran's concert into a political rally.
After the statement
Levine added that stadium shows are not an appropriate venue for complex conflicts, saying that if Macklemore wanted to open with "Free Palestine" he might try finishing with "Free the hostages."
Macklemore yanked off Ed Sheeran's tour after anti-Israel rants anger venuesClosing section quoting publicist Michael Levine's statement to the Post.Why this label?
Levine criticises the MetLife performance itself and endorses the removal that followed, taking a position against the conduct under scrutiny.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
CMATSinger-songwriter, commenting beneath Macklemore’s statementBefore this statement
The comment was left beneath Macklemore’s September 14 Instagram statement about his removal from the tour.
"Free Palestine."
Defended or excusedCase context: Macklemore’s “Free Palestine” speech and removal from Ed Sheeran’s U.S. tour
Full statement and sources
The Irish singer-songwriter CMAT commented on Macklemore’s statement with the phrase that prompted his removal.
After the statement
The comment consists of the phrase alone and does not address the promoter, the venues or Sheeran. The quotation rests on a single outlet’s transcription.
Zara Larsson, Kehlani, Hannah Einbinder & More Stars Support Macklemore After Ed Sheeran Tour RemovalMulti-page round-up; quotations of individual commenters.Kneecap offer ‘love and solidarity’ to Macklemore after Ed Sheeran tour dumpingParagraphs quoting Kneecap, CMAT, Paloma Faith, Bob Vylan, Garbage and Kehlani.Why this label?
Relative to Macklemore’s speech and removal, CMAT repeats the exact phrase he was dropped for using. Repeating the words at issue in direct response to his statement endorses the speech rather than offering general sympathy.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
- Philip DeFrancoCommentator and host of The Philip DeFranco Show
Before this statement
The video followed Sheeran’s September 15 statement and is titled “Ed Sheeran Just Made The Macklemore Mess So Much Worse.” DeFranco had already criticised Sheeran the previous day.
"Ed, your silence was loud. Your inaction was gargantuan.” … “I also find it off-putting that he is making himself seem like he has less power in this situation, like he’s not the main … attraction, worldwide phenomenon, Ed Sheeran."
Defended or excusedCase context: Macklemore’s “Free Palestine” speech and removal from Ed Sheeran’s U.S. tour
Full statement and sources
In a video responding to Sheeran’s statement, DeFranco rejected Sheeran’s account that the decision was out of his hands, argued his silence and inaction were themselves choices, and defended Macklemore’s stand.
After the statement
He also called Sheeran “a coward” and praised Ms. Rachel for speaking out despite the risk to her audience.
Philip DeFranco, “Ed Sheeran Just Made The Macklemore Mess So Much Worse”Full video; wording taken from YouTube’s automatically generated English captions.Why this label?
Relative to Macklemore’s MetLife speech and his removal, DeFranco defends the stand Macklemore took and condemns Sheeran’s handling of it, rejecting the claim that Sheeran lacked power over the outcome. This is a further, sharper statement than his September 14 remarks already recorded in this case, not a change of position, so it is recorded separately rather than as a supersession.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
- KneecapIrish-language rap group, commenting beneath Macklemore’s statement
Before this statement
Kneecap commented directly on Macklemore’s September 14 statement.
"Free Palestine. They can never silence the truth."
Defended or excusedCase context: Macklemore’s “Free Palestine” speech and removal from Ed Sheeran’s U.S. tour
Full statement and sources
Separately from the photo post it captioned with a message of solidarity, Kneecap commented on Macklemore’s statement that the truth could not be silenced.
After the statement
The Press Association distinguishes this comment from the photo post the group captioned “All love and solidarity to @macklemore. FREE PALESTINE,” which is recorded separately.
Kneecap offer ‘love and solidarity’ to Macklemore after Ed Sheeran tour dumpingParagraphs quoting Kneecap, CMAT, Paloma Faith, Bob Vylan, Garbage and Kehlani.Kneecap, Garbage, Bob Vylan and more back Macklemore after Ed Sheeran axingParagraphs quoting Kneecap, Bob Vylan, Kehlani, Garbage and Greta Thunberg. Published 12:49, 15 September 2026.Why this label?
Relative to Macklemore’s speech and removal, Kneecap repeats the phrase at issue and frames the removal as an attempt at silencing that will fail. This is a distinct communication from the group’s own photo post recorded separately in this case.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Bob VylanPunk and hip-hop duo, commenting beneath Macklemore’s statementBefore this statement
The Press Association reports the comment was made while resharing a comment Macklemore had referenced in his own post.
"There is no thanks for a duty."
Defended or excusedCase context: Macklemore’s “Free Palestine” speech and removal from Ed Sheeran’s U.S. tour
Full statement and sources
Bob Vylan commented in solidarity with Macklemore while resharing a comment he had referenced, saying there is no thanks owed for carrying out a duty.
After the statement
The duo has faced its own controversy over onstage political statements. The comment is brief and does not name Sheeran, the promoter or the venues.
Kneecap offer ‘love and solidarity’ to Macklemore after Ed Sheeran tour dumpingParagraphs quoting Kneecap, CMAT, Paloma Faith, Bob Vylan, Garbage and Kehlani.Kneecap, Garbage, Bob Vylan and more back Macklemore after Ed Sheeran axingParagraphs quoting Kneecap, Bob Vylan, Kehlani, Garbage and Greta Thunberg. Published 12:49, 15 September 2026.Why this label?
Relative to Macklemore’s MetLife speech and his removal, Bob Vylan treats speaking out as an obligation rather than an act deserving praise, framing Macklemore’s stand as the right thing to have done. Reported by two independent outlets as a comment made in solidarity with him.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Ava PhillippeModel and public figure, commenting beneath Macklemore’s statementBefore this statement
The comment was left beneath Macklemore’s September 14 Instagram statement about his removal from the tour.
"that second to last slide puts it all in perspective. thank you for raising your voice so thoughtfully."
Defended or excusedCase context: Macklemore’s “Free Palestine” speech and removal from Ed Sheeran’s U.S. tour
Full statement and sources
Ava Phillippe commented that Macklemore’s statement put the matter in perspective and thanked him for speaking out.
After the statement
The quotation rests on a single outlet’s transcription of the comment.
Zara Larsson, Kehlani, Hannah Einbinder & More Stars Support Macklemore After Ed Sheeran Tour RemovalMulti-page round-up; quotations of individual commenters.Why this label?
Relative to Macklemore’s speech and removal, Phillippe thanks him for raising his voice, which endorses the act under scrutiny rather than expressing only sympathy.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Alyson StonerActor and singer, commenting beneath Macklemore’s statementBefore this statement
The comment was left beneath Macklemore’s September 14 Instagram statement about his removal from the tour.
"Your action matters and will reverberate."
Defended or excusedCase context: Macklemore’s “Free Palestine” speech and removal from Ed Sheeran’s U.S. tour
Full statement and sources
Alyson Stoner commented that Macklemore’s action mattered and would have lasting effect.
After the statement
The quotation rests on a single outlet’s transcription of the comment.
Film stars to singers: The A-listers who are team Macklemore after Ed Sheeran booted him off tourParagraphs quoting individual commenters.Why this label?
Relative to Macklemore’s speech and removal, Stoner affirms the value of the stand he took rather than offering only personal sympathy. The comment is brief but evaluates the act itself.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Paloma FaithSinger, commenting beneath Macklemore’s statementBefore this statement
The comment was left beneath Macklemore’s September 14 Instagram statement about his removal from the tour.
"You are a rare and important voice … thank you for existing…. This is so articulate and so powerful. You are a hero xxx"
Defended or excusedCase context: Macklemore’s “Free Palestine” speech and removal from Ed Sheeran’s U.S. tour
Full statement and sources
Paloma Faith commented on Macklemore’s statement calling him a rare and important voice and a hero. She had already voiced support earlier in the dispute.
After the statement
Just Jared and The Tab both carry the comment. It follows her earlier support recorded separately in this case.
Zara Larsson, Kehlani, Hannah Einbinder & More Stars Support Macklemore After Ed Sheeran Tour RemovalMulti-page round-up; quotations of individual commenters.Film stars to singers: The A-listers who are team Macklemore after Ed Sheeran booted him off tourParagraphs quoting individual commenters.Why this label?
Relative to Macklemore’s speech and removal, Paloma Faith praises the statement as powerful and calls him a hero, endorsing the stand he took. This is a separate, later comment from her earlier response already recorded in this case.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Alana HadidDesigner and activist, commenting beneath Macklemore’s statement Before this statement
The comment was left beneath Macklemore’s September 14 Instagram statement about his removal from the tour.
"Thank you for reframing this Ben it’s so important but I’m so disappointed that they caved to Zionist pressure @macklemore we are proud of you my brother."
Defended or excusedCase context: Macklemore’s “Free Palestine” speech and removal from Ed Sheeran’s U.S. tour
Full statement and sources
Alana Hadid thanked Macklemore for his statement and said those who removed him had given in to what she called Zionist pressure.
After the statement
The phrase “Zionist pressure” is the speaker’s characterisation, not an established finding. The quotation rests on a single outlet’s transcription.
Zara Larsson, Kehlani, Hannah Einbinder & More Stars Support Macklemore After Ed Sheeran Tour RemovalMulti-page round-up; quotations of individual commenters.Why this label?
Relative to Macklemore’s speech and removal, Hadid supports him and condemns the decision to drop him. Her characterisation of the pressure is her own assertion and is contested by other speakers in this case.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Xavier DolanFilmmaker, commenting beneath Macklemore’s statementBefore this statement
The comment was left beneath Macklemore’s September 14 Instagram statement about his removal from the tour.
"This is probably the simplest yet most complete and eloquent distillation of exactly what ‘this’ is about — and of what it isn’t about, and never will be: antisemitism."
Defended or excusedCase context: Macklemore’s “Free Palestine” speech and removal from Ed Sheeran’s U.S. tour
Full statement and sources
Xavier Dolan praised Macklemore’s statement and said the matter was not about antisemitism.
After the statement
Whether the remarks were antisemitic is contested within this case; Dolan’s view is his own. The quotation rests on a single outlet’s transcription of the comment.
Zara Larsson, Kehlani, Hannah Einbinder & More Stars Support Macklemore After Ed Sheeran Tour RemovalMulti-page round-up; quotations of individual commenters.Why this label?
Relative to Macklemore’s MetLife speech and his removal, Dolan endorses Macklemore’s account and expressly rejects the antisemitism characterisation that other speakers in this case advance. That is an evaluation of the dispute, not only praise of the person.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Greta ThunbergClimate and political activist, commenting on Macklemore’s postBefore this statement
The comment was left on Macklemore’s Instagram statement about his removal from the tour.
"Full solidarity and free Palestine. Artists’ very active silence in the face of injustice and genocide will not be forgotten."
Defended or excusedCase context: Macklemore’s “Free Palestine” speech and removal from Ed Sheeran’s U.S. tour
Full statement and sources
Commenting on Macklemore’s Instagram post, Greta Thunberg expressed full solidarity and criticised what she called the active silence of other artists.
After the statement
Rolling Stone Philippines reports the second sentence of the comment; The Line of Best Fit carries the fuller wording. The genocide characterisation is hers.
Kneecap, Bob Vylan, Greta Thunberg and more rally behind Macklemore following Ed Sheeran tour dropParagraphs quoting Kneecap, Bob Vylan and Greta Thunberg.Macklemore’s Ed Sheeran tour exit draws support from fellow artistsSection headed “Support for Macklemore”.Why this label?
Relative to Macklemore’s speech and removal, Thunberg states full solidarity with him. Her criticism of other artists’ silence is a separate charge that does not qualify that support.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
KehlaniSinger and songwriter, commenting beneath Macklemore’s statementBefore this statement
The comment was left beneath Macklemore’s September 14 statement about his removal.
"A LOT of venues / owners are rallied together this way. Honored to know you brother. Adore you. Behind you!!!!"
Defended or excusedCase context: Macklemore’s “Free Palestine” speech and removal from Ed Sheeran’s U.S. tour
Full statement and sources
Kehlani commented under Macklemore’s Instagram statement, saying many venues and owners act this way and expressing personal support for him.
After the statement
Her assertion about venues and owners echoes Macklemore’s own allegation, which remains attributed to him and is not an established finding.
Macklemore Ed Sheeran Tour Removal: Garbage, Ms. Rachel, MUNA ReactParagraphs quoting Ms. Rachel, Garbage, MUNA and Kehlani.MUNA, Kehlani and Garbage have challenged Macklemore’s removal from Ed Sheeran’s tourParagraphs quoting MUNA, Kehlani and Garbage.Why this label?
Relative to Macklemore’s speech and removal, Kehlani expresses support for him by name and endorses his account of coordinated venue pressure. The comment is brief but attributable and directed at the dispute.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
MUNAPop band, posting in its own nameBefore this statement
The band reposted Rolling Stone’s Instagram coverage of the removal.
"Everyone involved in the move to silence free speech about a genocide is utterly pathetic.” … “Solidarity with @macklemore."
Defended or excusedCase context: Macklemore’s “Free Palestine” speech and removal from Ed Sheeran’s U.S. tour
Full statement and sources
Resharing coverage of the removal, MUNA condemned those involved in what it called an effort to silence free speech about a genocide and expressed solidarity with Macklemore.
After the statement
The genocide characterisation is the band’s own. MUNA does not name the promoter or the venues.
Macklemore Ed Sheeran Tour Removal: Garbage, Ms. Rachel, MUNA ReactParagraphs quoting Ms. Rachel, Garbage, MUNA and Kehlani.MUNA, Kehlani and Garbage have challenged Macklemore’s removal from Ed Sheeran’s tourParagraphs quoting MUNA, Kehlani and Garbage.Why this label?
Relative to Macklemore’s speech and removal, MUNA frames the removal as silencing and states solidarity with him by name, which defends the speech rather than commenting only on the tour.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
GarbageRock band, posting in its own nameBefore this statement
The band shared a screenshot of a Rolling Stone headline reporting Macklemore’s removal.
"This is madness. Sheer madness.” … “Macklemore’s words were not antisemitic. Yet he is being punished for simple pleading for the occupation, the oppression and the violence to stop."
Defended or excusedCase context: Macklemore’s “Free Palestine” speech and removal from Ed Sheeran’s U.S. tour
Full statement and sources
Sharing coverage of the removal, Garbage called the decision wildly unjust, said Macklemore’s words were not antisemitic and argued he was being punished for asking for the violence to stop.
After the statement
Rolling Stone Philippines also reports the band asking “Whatever happened to free speech?” The claim that the words were not antisemitic is the band’s own characterisation and is contested by other speakers in this case.
Macklemore Ed Sheeran Tour Removal: Garbage, Ms. Rachel, MUNA ReactParagraphs quoting Ms. Rachel, Garbage, MUNA and Kehlani.MUNA, Kehlani and Garbage have challenged Macklemore’s removal from Ed Sheeran’s tourParagraphs quoting MUNA, Kehlani and Garbage.Macklemore’s Ed Sheeran tour exit draws support from fellow artistsSection headed “Support for Macklemore”.Why this label?
Relative to Macklemore’s MetLife speech and his removal, Garbage defends the speech directly, rejecting the antisemitism characterisation and describing the punishment as unjust. The band states this in its own name rather than resharing another party’s view.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Vic MensaSpeaking personally in a video on his Instagram account, @vicmensa, beneath The Vic Mensa Show branding.Before this statement
In the opening approximately 00:00–00:13 of the video, Mensa praises Macklemore and Ms. Rachel and objects to concern for children’s deaths being treated as controversial. He recounts a friend’s joke comparing Macklemore with Malcolm X following Ed Sheeran’s decision.
"tremendous amount of courage to jeopardize feeding your child for the children of somebody you’ve never met"
Defended or excusedCase context: Macklemore’s “Free Palestine” speech and removal from Ed Sheeran’s U.S. tour
Full statement and sources
Mensa praises Macklemore and Ms. Rachel for speaking about Palestinian children and describes risking one’s livelihood for other people’s children as courageous.
After the statement
At approximately 00:19–00:25, Mensa contrasts that courage with staying silent about Palestinian children’s deaths. His written post description separately praises Macklemore and Ms. Rachel.
Vic Mensa’s video praising Macklemore and Ms. Rachel’s courageReel DdSJO2lSwaj — on-screen spoken captions, approximately 00:13–00:18; posting account @vicmensaWhy this label?
Relative to Macklemore’s Palestine advocacy under scrutiny in this case, Mensa expresses clear approval and praises the courage of speaking despite risks to one’s livelihood. This supports “Defended or excused” rather than merely challenging a characterization.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Paul DreesSpeaking personally as a Christian pastor on his Instagram account, @pastorpauldrees. Before this statement
At approximately 00:42–01:23 in his Instagram video, Drees criticizes Ed Sheeran and Robert Kraft and argues that powerful people suppress dissent. He attributes Macklemore’s tour removal to Kraft’s intervention; that account is Drees’s assertion. The quoted sentence appears in embedded captions across consecutive frames at approximately 01:23–01:27.
"Macklemore is just part of this long history of those with power quashing dissidents."
Defended or excusedCase context: Macklemore’s “Free Palestine” speech and removal from Ed Sheeran’s U.S. tour
Full statement and sources
Drees defends Macklemore’s advocacy for Palestinians and describes his removal from Ed Sheeran’s tour as suppression of dissent by powerful people.
After the statement
Drees begins a comparison with earlier suppression of dissent, including the civil rights movement. His written post description separately invokes Christian witness on behalf of marginalized people and endorses Palestinian liberation.
Paul Drees’s video defending Macklemore and criticizing suppression of dissentReel DdSSFYEgYAc — on-screen spoken captions, approximately 01:23–01:27; posting account @pastorpauldreesWhy this label?
Relative to Macklemore’s Palestine advocacy under scrutiny in this case, Drees expresses substantive approval and portrays the backlash as suppression of dissent. His written description calls advocacy for Palestinian liberation a moral stance.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
- Robert KraftChair and chief executive of the Kraft Group and owner of the New England Patriots.Directly involved
Before this statement
Macklemore had delivered a pro-Palestinian speech while opening for Ed Sheeran at MetLife Stadium. Earlier reporting said he would not perform remaining U.S. support dates.
"We determined that his participation in the September 25th and 26th concerts at Gillette Stadium would cross that line."
CondemnedCase context: Macklemore’s “Free Palestine” speech and removal from Ed Sheeran’s U.S. tour
Full statement and sources
Kraft said Gillette Stadium determined that Macklemore’s planned support appearances at Ed Sheeran’s September 25 and 26 dates would cross its stated line against platforming hate speech. He said advocacy for Palestinians should not obscure Hamas’s responsibility or come at the expense of the Jewish community.
After the statement
Kraft’s statement addresses Gillette Stadium’s September 25 and 26 dates.
WHDH reports Robert Kraft’s statement on Macklemore at Gillette StadiumParagraph beginning “In a statement, Robert Kraft said”; full statement follows.Associated Press reports Robert Kraft’s statement on Macklemore’s Gillette Stadium appearancesKraft-statement paragraphs describing the Gillette Stadium decision and his statement.Why this label?
Kraft says Macklemore’s planned appearance would cross a stated line, directly condemning the conduct at issue in the case.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
- Philip DeFrancoHost of The Philip DeFranco Show, giving his own commentary.
Before this statement
The segment beginning at 06:06 recounts Macklemore's performances, criticism, removal, and competing accounts from Macklemore, the promoter and Robert Kraft. At 12:50–13:09 DeFranco asks about possible reactions and boycotts. He introduces his own opinion at 13:10.
"at the very least, I'm disappointed in Ed"
Defended or excusedResponding to: Ed Sheeran and his team decided to remove Macklemore from the remaining Loop Tour support dates.
Full statement and sources
Philip DeFranco criticizes Sheeran's response to Macklemore's removal and rejects treating criticism of Israel's government as inherently antisemitic.
After the statement
At 13:14–13:41 DeFranco criticizes the reported refusal to take sides and argues that conflating criticism of Israel's government with antisemitism can shield actual antisemitism. He then quotes Ms. Rachel at 13:43–13:52; her words and casualty figure are excluded from his quotation. His own commentary resumes at 13:53 with a comparison to venues hosting Kanye West.
Philip DeFranco criticizes Ed Sheeran's response to Macklemore's tour removal · Philip DeFranco13:10–13:41; selected quotation at 13:11; separate continuation at 13:53–14:01Why this label?
The condemnation targets Sheeran's response and the exclusion of Macklemore, not Macklemore's original speech. DeFranco expressly voices disappointment and criticizes the reported refusal to take sides; his subsequent argument about conflation supports that evaluation. This substantive criticism is stronger than a characterization-only label. Ms. Rachel's embedded statement is not counted as his words.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Dave NealComedian and podcast host giving personal commentary on his verified YouTube channel. Before this statement
Neal introduces reports of Macklemore's removal and Macklemore's allegations about pressure from Robert Kraft and other venue owners. Before reading Macklemore's statement, Neal criticizes the cancellation, praises his advocacy, and predicts commercial consequences. Those predictions and allegations are not independently established by this video.
"this was incredibly courageous for him to do"
Defended or excusedResponding to: Macklemore’s MetLife message was a demand for Palestinian freedom and equal human dignity, not criticism of Jewish people.
Full statement and sources
Neal defends Macklemore's pro-Palestinian speech and criticizes his removal from Ed Sheeran's tour. He praises Macklemore's courage and argues that his message distinguishes criticism of Israel's government from hostility toward Jewish people. He also gives Sheeran some latitude, citing pressure on the tour and workers' livelihoods.
After the statement
Neal reads Macklemore's written statement and plays his stage speech, then adds his own defense of the message and criticism of Kraft. At 15:16–15:55 he discusses pressure on Sheeran and the livelihoods of tour workers.
Dave Neal defends Macklemore after removal from Ed Sheeran's tour · Dave Neal01:46–01:48: quoted endorsement; 00:43–01:05: removal and Sheeran context; 14:53–15:16: defense of Macklemore's message; 15:16–15:55: latitude for Sheeran and tour workers; 17:15: closing endorsement.Why this label?
The target is Macklemore's stage advocacy: Neal expressly praises and supports it, going beyond a challenge to how it was characterized. His separate sympathy for Sheeran's responsibilities to tour workers does not make his support for Macklemore conditional. His criticism of the exclusion and his latitude for Sheeran remain context within this single reaction.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
- MacklemoreMusician and former support act on Ed Sheeran’s Loop TourDirectly involved
Before this statement
Messina Touring Group had said Macklemore would not perform the remaining U.S. Loop Tour support dates after venue objections; that prior report attributed the operational decision to the promoter.
"Ed Sheeran and his team have made the decision to remove me from The Loop tour. I do not agree with the decision. But I understand it. I am not a victim. Ed Sheeran is not a victim. Palestinian people are victims."
Defended or excusedResponding to: Ed Sheeran and his team decided to remove Macklemore from the remaining Loop Tour support dates.
Full statement and sources
Macklemore said Ed Sheeran and his team had removed him from the remaining Loop Tour support dates. He said he disagreed with the decision but understood it, and contrasted himself and Sheeran with Palestinian people, whom he called victims.
After the statement
Macklemore’s post attributes the decision to Ed Sheeran and his team.
Macklemore’s September 14 statement about removal from Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour · MacklemoreInstagram carousel post, slides 1–4; statement says Ed Sheeran and his team removed him from The Loop Tour and explains his reaction.Why this label?
The statement expressly combines disagreement with understanding of the decision. The classification reflects that qualified response and does not decide who made the removal decision.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Hasan PikerPolitical commentator speaking on his HasanAbi Twitch streamBefore this statement
After playing Macklemore’s MetLife speech and reading his statement about removal from the tour, Piker responds to a viewer invoking his past criticism of Macklemore’s music.
"Macklemore, in a moment where it matters the most, has consistently done the right thing."
Defended or excusedCase context: Macklemore’s “Free Palestine” speech and removal from Ed Sheeran’s U.S. tour
Full statement and sources
Hasan Piker praised Macklemore for consistently doing the right thing and defended his pro-Palestinian statements despite the pressure surrounding his removal from Ed Sheeran’s tour.
After the statement
Piker says speaking despite professional consequences matters and rejects joining efforts to cancel Macklemore.
Hasan Piker defends Macklemore in September 14 stream · Hasan PikerApproximately 02:29:45–02:30:42; broader discussion begins at 02:15:36Why this label?
Piker expressly approves of Macklemore’s stance and defends speaking despite professional consequences. This is substantive support for the remarks, beyond disputing their characterization.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
- Bill MaherComedian and talk-show host delivering a scripted closing monologue
Before this statement
The passage came in the closing New Rule monologue of the September 12 episode, after Maher argued that Israel withdrew from Gaza as a peace gesture and that Hamas used the territory to stage attacks.
"I think Macklemore spoke for all clueless celebrities when he said, “I know enough to know this is a genocide.” Actually, you don't know shit. … It's not a genocide. It's a counterattack in a war."
CondemnedCase context: Macklemore’s “Free Palestine” speech and removal from Ed Sheeran’s U.S. tour
Full statement and sources
Maher named Macklemore as speaking for what he called clueless celebrities and rejected the genocide characterization, calling the war a counterattack.
After the statement
Maher then contrasted the reported death toll in Gaza with Jewish deaths in Poland during the Second World War, and argued that false genocide claims drive antisemitism, saying “This. This is where it's coming from.” An ellipsis marks an audience reaction and a repeated phrase removed from the quotation.
New Rule: Clash of Civilizations | Real Time with Bill Maher (HBO)Closing New Rule monologue, passage naming Macklemore.Why this label?
Maher singles out Macklemore's statement from the MetLife set and rejects both the speaker's standing and the claim itself, opposing the conduct under scrutiny.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
P!nkMusician and writer of the Instagram statementBefore this statement
After reposting another account’s criticism of Macklemore’s MetLife performance, P!nk faced criticism for appearing to support his removal from Ed Sheeran’s tour.
"That’s what prompted my repost. Not “Free Palestine,” and not anyone’s right to say it. I have never asked for another artist to be silenced and I’m not asking now. I don’t need anyone fired, and I don’t need a refund."
Challenged the characterizationResponding to: Macklemore’s set subjected Sheeran’s audience to performative, biased, and hostile anti-Israel activism.
Full statement and sources
P!nk said her repost was prompted by Macklemore's assurance that his stage remarks were not about Jewish people, which she said frightened her and people she loved. She distinguished that concern from opposition to the phrase "Free Palestine" or a call to remove Macklemore from the tour. In the same Instagram statement, posted on the eve of Rosh Hashanah after a week of silence, she said standing up for her own people had proven lonelier than she expected, objected that the StopAntisemitism post she had shared contained language she had not written — "a repost isn't a statement, and a meme isn't a spine" — and said people had decided what she believed because of a repost and the word "Jew." She restated that Hamas is a terrorist organization, that Palestinians deserve a future honouring their humanity, and that nobody should celebrate the death of any child. Responding to Macklemore telling Jewish listeners his criticism was not about them, she wrote: "You don't get to decide that for us."
After the statement
The statement said she supports Palestinians' humanity and the protection of innocent life, while explaining why Macklemore's framing affected her as a Jewish woman. She also recalled cheering Macklemore's 2014 Grammy performance of "Same Love" before the costume incident later that year, for which he apologised, writing: "But he apologized, and I let it go, because that's what we do. We let it go." The Times of Israel reported the statement on September 12; the Times of Israel account resurfaced it on September 17.
Why this label?
The statement disputes Macklemore’s characterization of how his remarks affected Jewish audience members. P!nk expressly said she was not asking for Macklemore to be silenced, fired, or removed.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Espe PalacioMusic lawyer interviewed by LOS40 Before this statement
Asked whether political expression warrants removing an artist.
"it is not hate speech (Translated from Spanish. Original: no es un discurso de odio)"
Challenged the characterizationCase context: Macklemore’s “Free Palestine” speech and removal from Ed Sheeran’s U.S. tour
Full statement and sources
Palacio rejects treating Macklemore’s speech as hate speech.
After the statement
Her contract analysis distinguishes the United States from Europe.
Espe Palacio on Macklemore’s speechFirst interview answer, followed by discussion of US and European contractsWhy this label?
Explicitly rejects the hate-speech characterization.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
StandWithUsIsrael education and advocacy organization issuing an institutional action campaignBefore this statement
The campaign describes Macklemore's opening performance, Palestinian advocacy and concert visuals, then argues that Jewish and Israeli fans encountered a hostile political display.
"Ed Sheeran and Loop Tour Leadership must respect all their fans, reject anti-Israel hate and remove Macklemore now."
CondemnedCase context: Macklemore’s “Free Palestine” speech and removal from Ed Sheeran’s U.S. tour
Full statement and sources
StandWithUs launched a September 10 action campaign urging Sheeran and tour organizers to remove Macklemore from all remaining dates, characterizing his MetLife set as hostile anti-Israel advocacy.
After the statement
It links an action form calling for removal from every remaining tour date. This is separate from the earlier Israeli-American Council petition. No new Sheeran reply or explicit decline is established by this record.
StandWithUs urges Macklemore's removal from the remaining Loop Tour dates · StandWithUsCampaign heading, substantive discussion of the MetLife set and concluding removal demandWhy this label?
The institutional campaign explicitly condemns the performance and seeks a concrete consequence. The launch and requested removal are recorded together rather than duplicated as a separate timeline event.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Jonathan HarounoffAuthor and journalist writing a signed opinion columnBefore this statement
Harounoff was answering the argument, raised by defenders of the set, that musicians from Billie Eilish to Bono and Bob Dylan have used their platforms politically and that concerts are seldom neutral spaces. He granted that point before drawing his distinction.
"there is a difference between an artist's own convictions seeping through his or her own music and a guest performer using someone else's massive audience to deliver a reductive, one-sided take on one of the most contested conflicts in the most turbulent region in the world. Audiences paid for an Ed Sheeran masterclass, not for a lecture on the Middle East or an anti-Israel rally."
CondemnedCase context: Macklemore’s “Free Palestine” speech and removal from Ed Sheeran’s U.S. tour
Full statement and sources
Harounoff argued that a support act borrowing the headliner's audience for one-sided political advocacy is different from an artist expressing convictions through their own music, and that Sheeran's audience had not come for it.
After the statement
He went on to quote an open letter to Sheeran from an Iranian fan who wrote that the MetLife stage had been turned into a platform for division, and closed by saying he hoped Sheeran was thinking about what his next show would look like.
Ed Sheeran fans came for his music, not Macklemore's anti-Israel diatribeOpinion column, middle section responding to the argument that concerts are never neutral spaces.Why this label?
Writing about the MetLife set, Harounoff rejects the performance as a reductive and one-sided use of another artist's platform. He criticises the conduct under scrutiny rather than disputing what was said.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
- Jonathan GreenblattCEO of the Anti-Defamation League
Before this statement
Greenblatt quoted an ADL post criticizing Macklemore’s performance at an Ed Sheeran concert.
"Macklemore demonized Israel and Israelis to a crowd of unsuspecting fans who came for music not propaganda. And while he may have the right to say what he wants, no matter how grotesque, businesses have every right to decide who they platform. We encourage stadium owners and venue management to demonstrate their values."
CondemnedCase context: Macklemore’s “Free Palestine” speech and removal from Ed Sheeran’s U.S. tour
Full statement and sources
ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt described Macklemore’s performance as demonizing Israel and Israelis, and urged stadium owners and venue management to demonstrate their values in deciding whom to platform.
After the statement
He acknowledged Macklemore’s right to speak while urging venue owners to decide whom they would platform.
Jonathan Greenblatt urges venues to respond to Macklemore’s speechComplete X post and timestampWhy this label?
Greenblatt explicitly characterizes Macklemore’s speech as grotesque and calls for venue decision-makers to act, which is a direct condemnation of the conduct at issue.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
American Jewish CommitteeInstitutional statement by a Jewish advocacy organizationBefore this statement
The statement was posted four days after the first MetLife set, during the week in which the Israeli-American Council and the Anti-Defamation League also objected publicly.
"While opening for Ed Sheeran at MetLife Stadium, Macklemore chanted “Free Palestine,” accused Israel of “genocide” and “apartheid,” and used the stage—and the massive screens behind him—to promote a deeply one-sided and uninformed narrative about the Israel-Gaza conflict. Concertgoers bought tickets to hear music, not to be subjected to political propaganda that erases the complexity of this conflict and presents Israel as the sole cause of the region's suffering."
CondemnedCase context: Macklemore’s “Free Palestine” speech and removal from Ed Sheeran’s U.S. tour
Full statement and sources
AJC said Macklemore used the MetLife stage and its screens to promote a one-sided and uninformed narrative, and that concertgoers had bought tickets for music rather than political propaganda.
After the statement
AJC went on to say that its New Jersey office had contacted the Meadowlands, that the stadium raised the concerns with the tour, and that refunds were offered before the second show. That account is AJC's own and is not independently corroborated. The statement also credited P!nk for speaking out and closed by saying music should not turn Jewish and Israeli concertgoers into targets.
American Jewish Committee statement on Macklemore's MetLife Stadium performanceFull five-paragraph post.Why this label?
The statement rejects the content and the setting of the performance under scrutiny, describing it as propaganda that misrepresents the conflict.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
- Paloma FaithRecording artist responding through a public social-media reshare
Before this statement
Faith reshared Macklemore’s own video, which included both the political speech and his response to criticism.
"My Hero"
Defended or excusedResponding to: Macklemore’s MetLife message was a demand for Palestinian freedom and equal human dignity, not criticism of Jewish people.
Full statement and sources
Paloma Faith endorsed Macklemore’s complete posted speech as heroic.
After the statement
Boy George then criticized Faith by name for supporting Macklemore.
Why this label?
The brief direct caption positively evaluates the complete disputed performance rather than merely redistributing it neutrally.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
- Mehdi HasanJournalist and commentator writing on his personal X account
Before this statement
Hasan asks why paying audiences continuing to attend concerts featuring Macklemore would not satisfy a free-market argument.
"But no, your side is insisting Macklemore be removed from the concert tour for his views which clearly is a free speech issue."
Defended or excusedResponding to: An opening act should not use a headliner’s global concert platform to advance a one-sided political agenda without accountability and clear boundaries.
Full statement and sources
Hasan defended Macklemore’s political speech on Sheeran’s tour and opposed calls for his removal, arguing that continued ticket purchases should settle the market question.
After the statement
He characterizes removal demands as censorship and accuses Israel’s defenders of suppressing criticism. Those are his judgments; this entry does not attribute agreement to Sheeran.
Mehdi Hasan defends Macklemore against calls for removal from Ed Sheeran’s tourComplete September 7 post; sentence beginning “But no”Why this label?
He substantively defends Macklemore’s continued platform and rejects removal over his views. This is a speech defense, not merely a dispute over a label or an endorsement inferred from sharing.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
- Boy GeorgeRecording artist commenting publicly on another performer’s political speech
Before this statement
Boy George addressed the controversy after Macklemore published the complete speech and P!nk amplified criticism.
"Slogans such as “Free Palestine” offer the appearance of moral courage without requiring much political knowledge."
CondemnedResponding to: An opening act should not use a headliner’s global concert platform to advance a one-sided political agenda without accountability and clear boundaries.
Full statement and sources
Boy George condemned Macklemore’s slogan as shallow moral performance and pressed Sheeran to address the issue.
After the statement
He praised P!nk, criticized Paloma Faith’s endorsement, and said he hoped Sheeran would address the dispute.
Why this label?
The post makes a direct attributable criticism of the message and of the headliner’s response.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Israeli-American CouncilInstitutional petition by an Israeli-American advocacy organizationBefore this statement
The petition describes Macklemore’s words, projected imagery, and performance of “Hind’s Hall” during the MetLife shows.
"This was an Ed Sheeran concert—not a political rally, not a protest, and not an activist event."
CondemnedResponding to: An opening act should not use a headliner’s global concert platform to advance a one-sided political agenda without accountability and clear boundaries.
Full statement and sources
The IAC condemned Macklemore’s use of Sheeran’s concert platform and sought his removal.
After the statement
It asks whether the content was approved in advance and demands clearer boundaries for political messaging on the tour.
Why this label?
The petition directly rejects the appropriateness of the performance and requests concrete remedial action.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Anti-Defamation LeagueInstitutional statement by an antisemitism advocacy organizationBefore this statement
The ADL framed the audience as having expected a concert rather than political advocacy from the opening act.
"They came for a concert, not performative, biased and hateful anti-Israel “activism” from his opener, Macklemore."
CondemnedResponding to: Macklemore’s set subjected Sheeran’s audience to performative, biased, and hostile anti-Israel activism.
Full statement and sources
The ADL condemned the set as biased and hateful anti-Israel activism that made some attendees feel unwelcome.
After the statement
It connected the performance to what it described as Macklemore’s longer record of demonizing Israel and engaging in antisemitic rhetoric.
Why this label?
The statement directly rejects the performance’s content and its use of the concert setting.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Michael RapaportActor, comedian and podcaster commenting publicly on his own accountBefore this statement
Macklemore had performed the first of two MetLife Stadium support sets on September 4 and repeated the remarks on September 5. Rapaport posted the same morning as the second show.
"What's your favorite Macklemore song? I'll wait Imagine going to see Ed Sheeran & this absolute no talent none singer non rapping non dancing clown Macklemore is opening & because he actually has no act or specific skill set he's jumping around like dkc carrying on about a genocide that never happened in Gaza. This is a nightmare."
CondemnedCase context: Macklemore’s “Free Palestine” speech and removal from Ed Sheeran’s U.S. tour
Full statement and sources
Rapaport mocked Macklemore's ability as a performer, called the MetLife set a nightmare for Ed Sheeran's audience, and said the genocide Macklemore described never happened.
After the statement
The post carried an attached video of the performance. Rapaport did not call for Macklemore's removal from the tour.
Michael Rapaport post on X about Macklemore's MetLife setFull post text, with attached video.Why this label?
The conduct under scrutiny is Macklemore's onstage "Free Palestine" speech at MetLife. Rapaport rejects both the speech and its central premise, saying the genocide it invoked never happened.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
- MacklemoreRecording artist and opening act on Ed Sheeran’s Loop TourDirectly involved
Before this statement
After criticism of the first MetLife performance, Macklemore repeated the set and directly addressed Jewish audience members.
"Criticism of Israel, criticism of apartheid, being against genocide in no way is a criticism of you."
Challenged the characterizationResponding to: Macklemore’s MetLife message was a demand for Palestinian freedom and equal human dignity, not criticism of Jewish people.
Full statement and sources
At his September 5 set at MetLife Stadium, Macklemore addressed Jewish audience members and said criticism of Israel was not criticism of them.
After the statement
He described his message as peace, love, dignity, respect, and equality before repeating calls for freedom in several countries and communities.
Why this label?
The statement directly disputes a central characterization while maintaining the underlying criticism of Israel.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
- StopAntisemitismInstitutional social-media statement by an advocacy organization
Before this statement
The organization posted video from the first MetLife set and described the event as an ambush of Jewish and Israeli concertgoers.
"Jewish patrons should not be subjected to this propaganda."
CondemnedResponding to: Macklemore’s set subjected Sheeran’s audience to performative, biased, and hostile anti-Israel activism.
Full statement and sources
StopAntisemitism condemned Macklemore’s performance as propaganda directed at an unwilling concert audience.
After the statement
A later post repeated the criticism after Macklemore’s second performance; related text requested apologies and refunds.
Why this label?
The statement directly rejects the performance and identifies the audience harm the organization says it caused.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Sources
(145)
Original post
Macklemore’s complete MetLife speech and response
Excerpt
"Wanting all humans to be treated equal should never be controversial."
About this source
First-party post containing the complete introductions from both MetLife performances and Macklemore’s response to criticism.
- Published
- Accessed
Original post
Slade posts announcement of Sheeran appearances
Relevant passage: Original caption and announcement image
About this source
Slade posts an appearance announcement. Comments under the post express readers' views; they do not establish his position on Macklemore's removal.
- Author
- Isaac Slade
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
People reports new opening acts for Ed Sheeran tour
Relevant passage: Opening paragraphs and October 8 announcements by Isaac Slade and Amiee Rosser
About this source
The report describes replacement opening acts after Macklemore's departure and lists scheduled appearances.
- Author
- Jack Irvin; People
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Who is Robert Kraft, pro-Israel billionaire who cancelled Macklemore?
Relevant passage: Section 'How has Ed Sheeran responded?', last two paragraphs
Excerpt
"Radhika Sainath, Palestine Legal’s litigation director, told Al Jazeera: “I haven’t seen the terms of his contract, but I find it highly unlikely that the stadium owner retained an eleventh-hour power to veto tour openers expressing support for Palestinian human rights.”"
About this source
Al Jazeera explainer of September 15, 2026 on Robert Kraft's role in Macklemore's removal from Ed Sheeran's U.S. tour. It quotes Kraft's and Sheeran's statements and comments from Palestine Legal's litigation director.
- Author
- Marthe van der Wolf
- Published
- Accessed
Original text
No neutral position on the genocide machine.
Relevant passage: Fourth paragraph of the post, beginning "Two years into"
Excerpt
"Two years into Trump’s crackdown on pro-Palestine organizing, the backlash against Sheeran shows how little patience Americans have for attacks on pro-Palestine speech."
About this source
Jewish Voice for Peace's post in The Wire, published September 24, 2026. It opens with Macklemore's removal from Ed Sheeran's tour and the reaction to it, then turns to other Palestine-related organizing and legislation.
- Author
- Jules Green
- Published
- Accessed
Official statement
Palestinians call on Ed Sheeran to cancel his compromised US tour
Relevant passage: First two paragraphs; the September 15 response section is at the end of the page
Excerpt
"Ed Sheeran and his team removed long-time friend and prominent artist Macklemore from his US tour for saying “Free Palestine” on stage, reportedly on the pretext that those words, and the Palestinian flag, are “hurtful” to some."
About this source
Statement by the Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel, published on the BDS Movement website on September 14, 2026, calling on Ed Sheeran to cancel his U.S. tour after Macklemore's removal. A response to Sheeran's own statement was added on September 15.
- Author
- Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel (PACBI)
- Published
- Accessed
Official statement
CAIR Condemns Censorship of Macklemore by Sports Stadiums Over Anti-Genocide Stance
Relevant passage: Last paragraph of the statement from CAIR National Deputy Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell
Excerpt
"Macklemore is taking a courageous and moral stand and Mr. Sheeran should bravely stand with him. The companies responsible for this attack on free speech for the benefit of a foreign government must be held accountable."
About this source
CAIR national press release, published September 14, 2026, on stadium owners' reported pressure to remove Macklemore from Ed Sheeran's U.S. tour. It carries a statement from CAIR National Deputy Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell and quotes Rolling Stone's reporting on the venues.
- Author
- Ismail Allison
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Tampa didn’t seek to kick Macklemore off RayJay show, board member says
Relevant passage: Article body, paragraphs on the Tampa Sports Authority board members' comments to the Tampa Bay Times
Excerpt
"“The Tampa Sports Authority’s position hasn’t changed: We don’t get involved in freedom of speech issues,” Clendenin said."
About this source
Tampa Bay Times report of September 15, 2026 on whether the Tampa Sports Authority, the public agency that manages Raymond James Stadium, played a part in Macklemore's removal from Ed Sheeran's U.S. tour. It quotes several authority board members.
- Author
- Nina Moske and Gabrielle Calise
- Published
- Accessed
Original text
TKO Group Holdings, Inc. Definitive Proxy Statement (Schedule 14A) for the 2026 annual meeting
Relevant passage: Director nominee biographies, page 10
Excerpt
"Ariel Emanuel became the Chief Executive Officer and a director of TKO Group Holdings, Inc. on September 12, 2023 and was appointed Executive Chair in February 2024. Mr. Emanuel has also served as Executive Chairman of WME Group since March 2025."
About this source
TKO Group Holdings' proxy statement filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Its biography of Emanuel gives his current roles at TKO and WME Group.
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Frieze Owner Ari Emanuel Criticizes Macklemore Over Pro-Palestinian Comments
Relevant passage: Opening paragraphs, and the paragraph beginning "I don't think it was completely understanding the facts"
Excerpt
"Emanuel did not mention that his company, WME, represents Macklemore for North American bookings."
About this source
Hyperallergic report, published September 23, 2026, on Emanuel's Daily Show interview on Monday, September 21. It quotes his remarks on Macklemore's speech and reports that WME represents Macklemore.
- Author
- Anna Lee
- Published
- Accessed
Original video
Ari Emanuel on Channeling Rage and Ego Into Hollywood Success | The Daily Show
Excerpt
"I don't think it was completely understanding the facts. And I think it was belittling to Jewish people, too."
About this source
The Daily Show's posted video of Jon Stewart's interview with Ari Emanuel about his memoir, Roll the Calls. The exchange about Macklemore's speech comes near the 17-minute mark.
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Ari Emanuel's WME represents Macklemore, and he just weighed in on Ed Sheeran-Robert Kraft controversy
Relevant passage: Paragraph beginning "Emanuel doesn't stand for any 'hate,'" and the sentence that follows it
Excerpt
"He responded, “I don't think it was completely understanding the facts. And I think it was belittling to Jewish people, too.”"
About this source
ClutchPoints report, published September 23, 2026, on Ari Emanuel's Daily Show remarks about the Ed Sheeran, Macklemore and Robert Kraft dispute. It quotes Jon Stewart's question and Emanuel's answer and notes that WME represents Macklemore.
- Author
- Andrew Korpan
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Ed Sheeran loses half a million Instagram followers after Macklemore debacle
Relevant passage: Full article citing Social Blade data on Sheeran's Instagram follower losses.
Excerpt
"Sheeran's Instagram account lost nearly 150,000 followers on September 15... His follower count dropped by another 98,000-plus on September 16."
About this source
Reporting, citing Social Blade tracking data, that Sheeran lost nearly half a million Instagram followers in the days after dropping Macklemore from his tour, while the five artists who quit in protest gained a combined 1.638 million followers over the same period.
- Published
- Accessed
Original post
Macklemore announces "Free Palestine Tour"
Relevant passage: Instagram post DdrDI-tt1sY, caption paragraphs beginning "If these last couple of weeks..." and "FREE PALESTINE TOUR."
Excerpt
"To push back when the call for a Free Palestine is met with attempts to silence it."
About this source
Macklemore's verified Instagram post announces tour dates in Dublin, Paris, and London and says proceeds will benefit organizations supporting Palestinians and the movement. It frames pushback against artists who call for a free Palestine as attempts to silence that call.
- Author
- Macklemore
- Published
- Accessed
Original text
Macklemore's official website: tour dates
Relevant passage: Tour section, accessed September 24, 2026: 3Arena, Dublin (Oct 26); Accor Arena, Paris (Oct 29); Wembley Arena, London (Oct 30)
Excerpt
"Oct 26, 3Arena, Dublin, Ireland; Oct 29, Accor Arena, Paris, France; Oct 30, Wembley Arena, London, United Kingdom"
About this source
The tour listing on Macklemore's website gives the three venues and dates and links to a sign-up for updates and first access to tickets.
- Author
- Macklemore
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Macklemore Announces Free Palestine Tour (Pitchfork)
Relevant passage: Article text, including Macklemore's full statement and the list of twelve beneficiary organizations
Excerpt
"Being apolitical during a genocide doesn't work anymore. People are asking artists to show up, educate themselves and be in community."
About this source
Pitchfork's report reproduces Macklemore's full statement announcing the tour, lists the twelve organizations that will receive proceeds and says tickets go on sale September 30. It lists the Dublin date as October 25, while Macklemore's poster and website list October 26.
- Author
- Alex Suskind
- Published
- Accessed
Original post
Macklemore announces the Free Palestine Tour
Excerpt
"What happened to me is bigger than one artist or one stage. When the billionaire class can decide which voices are allowed on stage and which ones are too dangerous to hear, everyone should be paying attention."
About this source
Macklemore's own post announcing a tour with dates in Dublin, Paris and London, with all proceeds going to organizations supporting the Palestinian people and movement. The attached poster lists the three dates and the logos of the beneficiary organizations.
- Author
- Macklemore
- Published
- Accessed
(opens in a new tab)Macklemore's annouced Free Palestine tour poster
Reporting
Charlotte Church accuses Ed Sheeran of ‘choosing capitalism over doing the right thing’ amid Macklemore row
Relevant passage: Article paragraphs describing Church’s Cardiff performance, the reported remarks, and the audience chant.
Excerpt
"Ed Sheeran, we’re watching you."
About this source
The Jewish Chronicle reports the same Cardiff performance and Church’s criticism of Sheeran in connection with Macklemore’s removal from the U.S. tour. This source records a statement attributed to Church; no original recording was verified in this review.
- Author
- Jamie Shapiro
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Charlotte Church accuses Ed Sheeran of choosing ‘capitalism over doing the right thing’
Relevant passage: Article paragraphs identifying Church’s Pop Dungeon performance in Cardiff and her “Ed Sheeran, we’re watching you” remark.
Excerpt
"Ed Sheeran, we’re watching you."
About this source
BBC Wales reports that Church made the remarks at her Pop Dungeon performance in Cardiff after Macklemore was removed from Ed Sheeran’s U.S. tour. This source records a statement attributed to Church; no original recording was verified in this review.
- Author
- Rowenna Hoskin
- Accessed
Original post
Clip of Theo Von's Macklemore/Gaza remarks, posted by @MarcoFoster_
Excerpt
"Macklemore lost his job because he spoke up."
About this source
A video clip of the same Theo Von segment, excerpted and posted by a clipping account. The quoted caption matches the podscripts.co transcript of the original episode and is used here only as a corroborating clip of the primary audio, not as the primary source.
- Author
- Marco Foster
- Published
- Accessed
Original text
Transcript of Theo Von's "This Past Weekend" #684, "Bad Haircut"
Relevant passage: Solo segment approximately 21 minutes in, discussing Macklemore's removal from Ed Sheeran's tour and the war in Gaza.
Excerpt
"The Israeli government has turned Gaza into like a video game, basically, for killing people."
About this source
Transcript of a solo episode of Theo Von's podcast "This Past Weekend," #684 "Bad Haircut," published September 19, 2026. Von discusses Macklemore losing his tour slot after speaking about Gaza, then criticizes the conduct of the war, including the targeting of children. Episode description independently confirmed via iHeartRadio's listing for the same episode.
- Author
- Theo Von
- Published
- Accessed
Original post
The Intercept summarizes its reporting on Robert Kraft’s donations
Excerpt
"The Intercept dug into his claim and found that he actually has spent years donating to.... Friends of the IDF and AIPAC?"
About this source
The outlet’s own post promoting and summarizing Jonah Valdez’s September 18 investigation. The linked article supplies the underlying figures and limitations.
- Author
- The Intercept
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Robert Kraft Claims His Donations Help Palestinians. Turns Out He’s Funding Friends of the IDF.
Relevant passage: Sections beginning ‘Billionaire New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft’ and ‘The Intercept’s analysis of tax forms since 2006’
Excerpt
"The Intercept’s analysis of tax forms since 2006 show that Kraft’s charity group, the Kraft Family Foundation, has donated $196,000 to the Friends of the IDF"
About this source
The Intercept article by Jonah Valdez reports an analysis of tax filings and political-contribution records. Its descriptions of recipient organizations and the Israel–Gaza war are attributed to the publication. The article says it is unclear whether the listed entities are the programs Kraft referenced when he said he had supported Palestinian opportunities.
- Author
- Jonah Valdez
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Ed Sheeran addresses Gaza and Macklemore controversy at Philly tour stop
Relevant passage: Second article paragraph on mistakes and apology; venue-approval paragraph after the background on Robert Kraft; closing audience-unity remarks.
Excerpt
"it should never happen in the free world"
About this source
Local reporting from Sheeran's September 19 concert at Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia. The article describes his address and the concert setting, quotes his criticism of venue pre-approval of performance content, and reports his concluding appeal to an audience with differing views.
- Author
- Maggie Prosser and Earl Hopkins
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
READ IT: Ed Sheeran's pre-concert speech to Philly crowd about the Gaza controversy
Relevant passage: Transcript: second paragraph on mistakes and apology; venue-preapproval paragraph immediately after his explanation for continuing the tour.
Excerpt
"I am making mistakes"
About this source
Fox News publishes a transcript of Sheeran's remarks before the September 19 Philadelphia concert, alongside its video and photographs. The speech discusses mistakes, commitments to fans, venue control of performance content, and Israel and Palestine. This transcript supplies the short acknowledgment quoted in the statement; the venue-approval criticism is also reported by The Philadelphia Inquirer.
- Author
- Brie Stimson and Kelley Kramer
- Published
- Accessed
Original post
Ed Sheeran's Philadelphia stage remarks: Tonight in Philadelphia
Relevant passage: Instagram reel DdfY7JYirtn, captioned "Tonight in Philadelphia"; video duration 3 minutes 19 seconds.
Excerpt
"Tonight in Philadelphia"
About this source
Sheeran's own account posted this video of his remarks at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia on September 19, 2026. He discusses mistakes, venue control over performance content, his decision to continue the tour, and the humanitarian situation in Israel and Palestine. The account is linked from his official website. The reel was posted at 9:25 p.m. Eastern on September 19; written quotations are corroborated by the published transcript and reporting linked to the statement.
- Author
- Ed Sheeran
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Bill Maher takes aim at Macklemore amid Gaza remarks, old ‘Jew’ costume controversy
Relevant passage: Paragraphs quoting Maher’s remarks on the September 18 episode of Real Time.
Excerpt
"Not that they care, but that’s a lie."
About this source
The National News Desk’s report, published on September 19, 2026, on the same remarks from the September 18 episode of HBO’s Real Time. It quotes Maher directly on Macklemore’s genocide claim, and reports that he said Robert Kraft was “understandably offended.” It is independent of the Fox News Digital report. We could not locate a recording of the broadcast.
- Author
- Jessica A. Botelho
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Bill Maher hammers Macklemore over Gaza remarks, highlights rapper’s controversial ‘Jew’ costume from 2014
Relevant passage: Paragraphs quoting Maher’s remarks on the September 18 episode of Real Time.
Excerpt
"Not that they care, but that’s a lie."
About this source
Fox News Digital’s report, published at 12:16 p.m. EDT on September 19, 2026, on Bill Maher’s remarks about Macklemore, Ed Sheeran and Robert Kraft on the September 18 episode of HBO’s Real Time. It quotes Maher directly. We could not locate a recording of the broadcast.
- Author
- Julia Bonavita
- Published
- Accessed
Original video
Overtime with Bill Maher: Jessica Tarlov, Kevin Roose, Christopher Rufo (HBO)
Excerpt
"I think it’s a mistake strategically, but it’s also a mistake on the substance."
About this source
Official Real Time with Bill Maher upload of Overtime, the post-show panel conversation that follows the September 18, 2026 episode, published on the show’s YouTube channel at 11:00 p.m. EDT on September 18, 2026 (03:00 UTC on September 19). The passage is Christopher Rufo’s answer to a question about Trump’s announced exclusion of CNN, MS NOW and Politico from the White House; Jessica Tarlov’s reply begins at 01:51. An on-screen caption identifies Christopher Rufo (“Sr. Fellow, The Manhattan Institute”) while he speaks, and he is on camera throughout the passage.
- Author
- Real Time with Bill Maher
- Published
- Accessed
Original post
Myles Smith’s statement on Macklemore, Ed Sheeran, and Palestinian freedom
Relevant passage: Instagram caption
Excerpt
"Ed is not the victim here. Palestinians are. But let’s not get confused: Ed is also not the perpetrator."
About this source
Original Instagram post by Myles Smith explaining his support for Palestinian life and freedom while defending Ed Sheeran from being characterized as a perpetrator.
- Accessed
Original post
BIIRD backs Macklemore’s MetLife Stadium speech
Relevant passage: Instagram caption
Excerpt
"We stand unequivocally behind every word he said."
About this source
Original Instagram post by BIIRD stating support for Macklemore’s MetLife Stadium speech.
- Accessed
Reporting
Aaron Rowe releases statement on Ed Sheeran: “I fully believe he knows that was a mistake”
Relevant passage: Paragraphs quoting Rowe’s video.
Excerpt
"“All he has inside of him is kindness.”"
About this source
The Irish music magazine Hot Press reports the video on the day it was posted. It renders Rowe’s plural “you” as “youse”; the U.S. outlets print “you,” so the record quotes around that word.
- Author
- Isabela Morales
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Ed Sheeran Opener Aaron Rowe Defends Singer, Says Focus Should Be on Robert Kraft
Relevant passage: Paragraphs quoting Rowe’s Instagram video.
Excerpt
"“All I keep hearing is Ed Sheeran this, Ed Sheeran that”"
About this source
Rolling Stone reports Rowe’s September 18 Instagram video, which it describes as lengthy and edited, and quotes it at length, including his comments on Sheeran’s statement, Robert Kraft and the tour lineup. It notes that Sheeran’s statement attributed the removal to the promoter and to venue pressure.
- Author
- Althea Legaspi
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Aaron Rowe Defends Ed Sheeran After Dropping Out of Tour: ‘It Was Human F— Error’
Relevant passage: Paragraphs quoting Rowe’s Instagram video.
Excerpt
"“I do think that Macklemore shouldn’t have been pulled off the tour.”"
About this source
Variety reports Rowe’s Instagram video and prints extended passages, including his remarks on Sheeran’s statement, the decision to remove Macklemore, the tour lineup and Robert Kraft. The quotation in this record follows Variety’s wording; other outlets differ on a few words.
- Author
- Payton Turkeltaub
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
NME report on Ken Casey’s response to Macklemore’s removal from Ed Sheeran’s tour
Relevant passage: September 19, 2026; paragraphs beginning “In a recent interview with Boston Public Radio” and “And the fact that Ed Sheeran took the knee.”
Excerpt
"“You live or die with the people you bring on the road. They’re your people.”"
About this source
NME independently reports and quotes Ken Casey’s Boston Public Radio interview about Macklemore’s removal from Ed Sheeran’s tour. It embeds the broadcaster’s TikTok clip and gives the surrounding context for Casey’s criticism.
- Author
- Poppy Burton
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Rolling Stone report on Ken Casey’s response to Macklemore’s removal from Ed Sheeran’s tour
Relevant passage: September 18, 2026; paragraphs beginning “In an interview with Boston Public Radio” and “He added.”
Excerpt
"“The fact that Ed Sheeran took the knee … just doesn’t … sit right with me.”"
About this source
Rolling Stone reports that Dropkick Murphys frontman Ken Casey made the quoted remarks in a Boston Public Radio interview about Macklemore’s removal from Ed Sheeran’s tour. The article embeds the broadcaster’s TikTok video and identifies the surrounding discussion.
- Author
- Althea Legaspi
- Published
- Accessed
Original video
Even More News: “Macklemore Saying ‘Free Palestine’ Made Everyone Lose Their Minds w/Olayemi Olurin”
Excerpt
"I think that Macklemore’s support of Palestine and his speaking out against the genocide in Gaza is genuine. I do believe that. I don’t believe it’s motivated by anti-Semitism. However, I think it is valid for people to give the side eye … based on the fact that you’ve done something that could be read as blatantly anti-Semitic before."
About this source
Panel episode with hosts Katy Stoll, Cody Johnston and Jonathan, and guest Olayemi Olurin. Quotation checked against the published audio. Speaker attribution was established visually rather than from the audio, which carries no speaker labels: the programme captions Katy Stoll by name overlay at 00:23, the two other hosts are men, and the four-way panel shot at 06:04 matches the solo speaker delivering this passage at 06:12 to the remaining panellist, the guest. A members-only ad-free cut of the same episode exists at youtube.com/watch?v=-xwwhvvoa1o.
- Author
- Some More News
- Published
- Accessed
Original video
Lovett or Leave It: “Jon Lovett & Hasan Piker on Macklemore, Trump’s Economy & Republican Media”
Excerpt
"There’s all these headlines going around — you know, the US is pound for pound worse than al-Qaeda is one of the ones that’s going around. And then you look into what you’re saying, I understand the point that you’re making. … But as you have a bigger platform now, do you think to yourself, you know what, the most helpful and persuasive way for me to make this argument to the people that will hear it is not to be so antagonistic in the framing?"
About this source
Weekly comedy and politics podcast, published 18 September 2026, running 1:03:42, with Hasan Piker as the interview guest. The opening monologue is satirical; the Piker interview is straightforward. The quoted wording is our transcription of the video audio. The episode’s own chapter markers identify the Macklemore and Ed Sheeran segment and the Piker interview.
- Author
- Lovett or Leave It
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Mural of rapper Macklemore painted in Gaza after Sheeran tour furor
Relevant passage: Reuters wire report, republished by The Jerusalem Post; also carried as a CBS News video segment.
Excerpt
""We wanted to send a message to thank rapper Macklemore in this simple way," said Anne Redwan, 26, who designed and painted the mural with fellow artist Qusai al-Helo. "As an artist living under siege here in Gaza, we are waiting for support from anyone who can see (the) persecution we live under," she told Reuters."
About this source
Reuters wire report, September 18, 2026, on a mural painted in Gaza City honoring Macklemore after his removal from Ed Sheeran's tour. It also quotes Hussein Murtaja, who runs a Gaza mental-health organization for children, saying Macklemore's solidarity "matters more than the money he donated," and Toby Fricker, a UNICEF official, on the need for sustained rather than one-off support. CBS News carried the same reporting as a video segment on X; this record cites the fuller wire text via the Jerusalem Post republication, credited to Reuters and photographer Dawoud Abu Alkas.
- Author
- Reuters
- Published
- Accessed
Original post
Rhiannon Giddens on the Ed Sheeran controversy: "I don't know what he was expecting"
Excerpt
"What is at issue for me is that when you hire somebody like Macklemore, who's been very pro-Palestinian... this is not a surprise, right? It shouldn't be a surprise. [...] Why are you not using that power? He's folding. [...] For me, it wasn't a difficult decision."
About this source
Segment of a Democracy Now! interview with musician Rhiannon Giddens, posted to X on September 18, 2026. Giddens also discusses Aaron Rowe's and Beoga's withdrawals and Robert Kraft's role, and says Ed Sheeran has every right to do whatever he wants while maintaining that the public may still hold him accountable for the choice. The quoted wording is our transcription of the video; the X caption alone does not capture the substance of her remarks on Sheeran and Kraft specifically.
- Author
- Amy Goodman
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Fox's Jesse Watters Defends Macklemore Over 'Free Palestine' Call That Got Him Cancelled: 'Is That All?'
Relevant passage: Article body, quoting Watters's remarks on the September 15, 2026 broadcast of Fox News's "The Five."
Excerpt
"So what did he say that was bad? He said, free Palestine? Is that all? Okay, all I heard was free Palestine. I don't think that's hate speech... You know, if Rob Kraft doesn't want you there, he owns the venue, you're gone, who cares? Who cares?!"
About this source
Mediaite's report on the Tuesday, September 15, 2026 broadcast of Fox News's "The Five," quoting Watters directly. The Fox News episode itself is paywalled on foxnews.com with no free clip. Quotation independently corroborated: HasanAbi replayed the same clip with matching wording on a September 17, 2026 YouTube video, and Watters's remarks were also reported by Yahoo Entertainment, TVInsider and HuffPost with consistent quotations.
- Author
- Zachary Leeman
- Published
- Accessed
Original video
Alex Pearlman on Macklemore's removal — Crashing Out, "The Ed Sheeran Problem"
Excerpt
"Macklemore said free Palestine. And what happened? A series of people came together and used their outside money and influence to silence a man to remove him due to their oversized control of both the media and the sports network and so many more."
About this source
Pearlman’s remarks in the same episode. He is identified as the speaker because he addresses his co-host as “Phil” at roughly 17:47 and refers to himself by name at roughly 15:46, where he jokes about holding up a menorah because being called an antisemite “isn’t going to work on Alex fucking Pearlman.” Immediately before the excerpt he says Robert Kraft “is leaning in harder and harder into a lot of anti-Semitic tropes.” The quotation was checked against the episode recording.
- Author
- Alex Pearlman
- Published
- Accessed
Original video
The Ed Sheeran Problem — Crashing Out with Philip DeFranco & Alex Pearlman
Excerpt
"Ed Sheeran should look back on this. If he does not change up, right — and we, I gotta leave people room to grow and show it — but if he does not change up here, I hope he looks back on this in fucking shame and disgust of himself."
About this source
Episode of the news-comedy podcast Crashing Out, published September 16, 2026 and carrying about 210,000 views by September 18. The Macklemore and Ed Sheeran discussion occupies roughly the first 18 minutes. The quotation was checked against the episode recording; Available captions garble Macklemore’s name throughout. Speaker attribution is supported by the hosts addressing each other by name later in the episode.
- Author
- Philip DeFranco
- Published
- Accessed
Original post
CNN "Erin Burnett OutFront": WSJ's Andrew Beaton on the Kraft–Sheeran call
Excerpt
"those NFL owners were had independently come to the same conclusion as Robert Kraft"
About this source
Segment from CNN's "Erin Burnett OutFront" posted to the programme's X account at 8:33 PM ET on September 17, 2026, interviewing Andrew Beaton, the Wall Street Journal sports reporter who broke the story of the 40-minute call between Robert Kraft and Ed Sheeran. Beaton adds detail beyond the original report: that Kraft and Sheeran have a relationship going back years and that Sheeran performed at Kraft's 2022 wedding; that Kraft told Sheeran he empathised with the plight of the Palestinian people and had not previously given to Palestinian causes; that Kraft regarded Macklemore's comments as "hate speech disguised as free speech" because they blamed Israel for genocide without addressing Hamas's role on October 7; and, significantly, that the other owners named — David Tepper, Arthur Blank and Jeffrey Lurie — had independently reached the same conclusion rather than being recruited by Kraft. Asked whether Kraft had ever intervened in a Gillette Stadium booking before in the venue's 24 years and roughly 100 concerts, Beaton said not that he knew of. Beaton's account of Kraft's reasoning is sourced to a person familiar with the call; his characterisation of Ed Sheeran as an uncontroversial act is his own.
- Author
- Erin Burnett OutFront
- Published
- Accessed
Original post
Boy George on X: Macklemore’s “Jewish brothers and sisters” line is “too late”
Excerpt
"It’s like people saying @macklmoore said ‘my Jewish brothers and sisters’ after dressing as caricature of a Jew and doing a nazi salute? Too late! Own your hate!"
About this source
Posted the evening of September 18, 2026. The line Boy George is dismissing is Macklemore’s MetLife Stadium statement of September 5, which opened “To all of my Jewish brothers and sisters” before saying criticism of Israel is not criticism of them. The allegation about a costume and a salute refers to material outside this dispute and is Boy George’s characterisation, not an established fact; it is reproduced here as part of his statement, not adopted.
- Author
- Boy George
- Published
- Accessed
Analysis
Did Spotify remove Ed Sheeran's music from its platform?
Relevant passage: Snopes fact check, published September 18, 2026, rated "Labeled Satire".
Excerpt
"Fake stories flew online after Macklemore was removed as an opening act on Sheeran's tour for his pro-Palestine advocacy during a concert."
About this source
Documents false claims circulating about the dispute. A widely shared assertion that Spotify had removed Ed Sheeran's music from its platform originated on September 14 with an X account whose own bio describes its content as "Parody & Satire Entertainment | Not real news," and spread through an Instagram repost on September 16. Snopes found the claim untrue. We record this to mark the boundary between documented developments in this case and viral material that is not.
- Author
- Anna Rascouët-Paz
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Ed Sheeran Ticket Prices Plunge After Macklemore Backlash
Relevant passage: Newsweek, September 18, 2026, 1:24 PM EDT, reporting resale data from TicketData.com.
Excerpt
"resale prices have fallen for nine out of the 10 shows left on Sheeran's Loop Tour over the past week, with those for Saturday's concert at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia dropping by 45 percent to $75 as of midday on Friday"
About this source
Reports the measurable market effect of the dispute. Resale prices fell at nine of the ten remaining Loop Tour dates, with get-in prices ranging from $74 to $426; only the October 24 Arlington date was unmoved. TicketData founder Keith Pagello noted that Sheeran's previous 17 shows had averaged a 22 percent decline in the final two weeks, so a 45 percent fall exceeds the normal pattern, and that prices for Macklemore's own October 22 Red Rocks show rose 35 percent over the same week.
- Published
- Accessed
Original text
Philadelphia Deserves Answers: Who Decided Macklemore Could Not Perform at Lincoln Financial Field?
Relevant passage: Open letter and letter-writing campaign page sponsored by CAIR-Philadelphia, addressed to the Philadelphia Eagles, Eagles Stadium Operator LLC, the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development, the City of Philadelphia and Lincoln Financial Group.
Excerpt
"This is about more than one artist or one concert. It raises serious questions about free expression, public accountability, and whether advocacy for Palestinian human rights can become grounds for exclusion from a major venue operating on publicly owned property."
About this source
The organisation's own campaign page, carrying the template letter supporters send under their own names. The letter seeks disclosure of who decided that Macklemore would not perform at the September 19 Lincoln Financial Field concert and raises the venue's location on publicly owned property.
- Published
- Accessed
Original video
Ben Shapiro Defends Billionaire In Macklemore/Ed Sheeran Controversy (The Majority Report w/ Sam Seder)
Excerpt
"He's just a really, really terrible person... I do have got unearthed audio from inside the Robert Kraft anti-Semitism... center... they need to spend more money on surveilling these people if they come to Patriots games."
About this source
13:08 episode of The Majority Report with Sam Seder, published to YouTube September 17, 2026, discussing the Kraft/Macklemore/Sheeran fallout and playing a clip of Ben Shapiro's September 15 Fox News appearance. checked against the recording; the show includes a second, unnamed co-host voice whose lines are not separately attributed here.
- Author
- The Majority Report w/ Sam Seder
- Published
- Accessed
Interview
America's Newsroom, Fox News, September 15, 2026 (Ben Shapiro on Macklemore/Kraft)
Excerpt
"I think it's a good decision by Bob Kraft. I mean, obviously he owns the stadium. So if he doesn't want somebody spewing nonsense from the stage, he has every capacity to do that on a PR level."
About this source
Internet Archive TV News recording of Ben Shapiro's live appearance on Fox News' America's Newsroom, September 15, 2026, 6:00-7:00am PDT. The quoted wording is our transcription of the archived broadcast audio; it matches the Internet Archive's own closed-caption text word for word.
- Published
- Accessed
Interview
Rep. Randy Fine Says Macklemore Has Free Speech, Not a Right to Perform 'Antisemitic Garbage' (TMZ)
Excerpt
"Rep. Randy Fine is firing back at the free-speech defense of Macklemore ... saying the rapper can spew all the "antisemitic garbage" he wants, but nobody has to give him a stage."
About this source
TMZ DC on-camera interview with Rep. Randy Fine (R-FL), conducted by reporter Charlie Cotton, the day after AOC's TMZ interview on the same controversy.
- Author
- TMZ Staff
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Macklemore: NFL Owners Allegedly Were Promised No Palestine Talk After Ed Sheeran's First MetLife Show (TMZ, citing WSJ)
Excerpt
"According to The Wall Street Journal, several NFL team owners complained about Macklemore's pro-Palestinian messaging following the first night of the New Jersey shows. WSJ sources say the owners were assured he would remove all references to Palestine from his second night performance ... but he ultimately kept them in."
About this source
TMZ report relaying a Wall Street Journal report (WSJ itself is paywalled and blocked from direct access); the underlying WSJ account is independently corroborated by Yahoo, the New York Post, Irish Star, the Mirror US, LADbible, and Unilad, all citing the same WSJ reporting.
- Author
- TMZ Staff
- Published
- Accessed
Interview
Sen. John Fetterman Says Macklemore Missed Irony of 'Free Palestine' at Concert (TMZ)
Excerpt
"Fetterman claimed that money would go "directly to Hamas" ... and when Jacob pressed him on whether he meant any donation to Palestinian charities, Fetterman doubled down, saying, "it's all going to Hamas, 100%.""
About this source
TMZ DC on-camera doorstop interview with Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) on Capitol Hill, conducted by reporter Jacob Wasserman, asking about Macklemore's Free Palestine remarks and his $1 million pledge to six Palestinian relief organizations.
- Author
- TMZ Staff
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Variety reports Ms. Rachel matching Macklemore's $1M donation
Excerpt
"I will match Macklemore's donation and I invite every wealthy white celebrity to match it and speak out against the genocide in Gaza."
About this source
Post from Variety's verified Threads account on September 17, 2026 reporting that Ms. Rachel is matching Macklemore's $1 million donation and quoting her statement in full. Variety's rendering matches, word for word, a quotation that had circulated earlier the same day via a third-party account; that earlier relay could not be verified against Ms. Rachel's own Threads feed, where only shorter posts about donating to PCRF were visible, so the statement is recorded here on Variety's attribution. Ms. Rachel's figure of more than 20,000 Palestinian children killed and her characterisation of events in Gaza as genocide are hers and are not established here.
- Author
- Variety
- Published
- Accessed
Original text
Ms. Rachel says she will donate to PCRF and other organizations
Excerpt
"I'm an ambassador for @thepcrf & will be donating to them and other organizations."
About this source
First-party post from Ms. Rachel's verified Threads account, posted on September 17, 2026, the day after Macklemore named six organizations receiving his $1 million pledge and invited others to join. A companion post on the same account that day reads: "So it's not political to say children shouldn't be killed if they are white but if they are brown or black it is? That's racism." A longer statement circulating on social media, in which she is quoted saying she will match Macklemore's donation and inviting "every wealthy white celebrity" to do the same, could not be located on her own Threads account and is not reproduced here; aggregator sites reported the match, but we found no reliable outlet confirming it, and Variety's September 16 round-up of her remarks makes no mention of a donation.
- Author
- Ms. Rachel
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Times of Israel: "Pink says standing up for Jews has been 'lonelier' than she expected"
Excerpt
"A repost isn't a statement, and a meme isn't a spine."
About this source
Times of Israel report of September 12, 2026 on the lengthy Instagram statement P!nk posted on Friday September 11, the eve of Rosh Hashanah. It carries more of that statement than the Variety report already cited on this record, including her line that standing up for her own people had proven lonelier than she expected, her objection that the StopAntisemitism post she shared on September 6 contained language she had not written, her restated positions on Hamas and Palestinian life, and her response to Macklemore's address to Jewish listeners: "You don't get to decide that for us." The underlying primary material is P!nk's own Instagram post, which is not yet captured as a source. The article also recounts Macklemore's 2014 costume and his apology for it.
- Author
- TOI Staff
- Published
- Accessed
Original video
Piers Morgan Uncensored: "Ed Sheeran Is a COWARD" — Macklemore Dropped From Tour Over 'Free Palestine' Speech
Excerpt
"What you and I are witnessing is what happened in the '80s with the global turn against South African apartheid."
About this source
Full 1:03:44 episode published to the Piers Morgan Uncensored YouTube channel on September 16, 2026. The episode description lists the panel as Ana Kasparian, Wajahat Ali, Joe Walsh and Luai Ahmed, with former Israeli prime ministers Ehud Olmert and Naftali Bennett appearing later. Morgan hands to Ali at 23:30; Ali speaks without interruption until 26:12, moving from a defence of Macklemore and criticism of Robert Kraft and Ed Sheeran into the argument that the episode marks a generational and cultural turn against Israel. Morgan replies at 26:14 that Israel's popularity has been "consistently plunging." The quoted wording is our transcription of the video audio. Ali's characterisations of Israel's conduct and of public opinion are his own.
- Author
- Piers Morgan Uncensored
- Published
- Accessed
Original post
PCRF confirms it is among the six recipients of Macklemore's $1M pledge
Excerpt
"Today Macklemore announced he's donating the entire $1 million of his net earnings from Ed Sheeran's Loop Tour to six organizations supporting the Palestinian people, including PCRF."
About this source
First-party post from the verified X account of the Palestine Children's Relief Fund, timestamped 4:58 PM on September 16, 2026. It thanks Macklemore and confirms PCRF is one of the six named recipient organizations, saying the gift will fund medical care for injured and critically ill children in Gaza and across Palestine. It establishes PCRF's receipt and its own description of the intended use; it does not address Macklemore's MetLife remarks or his removal from the tour.
- Author
- The PCRF (Palestine Children's Relief Fund)
- Published
- Accessed
Original post
Dave Portnoy's video statement backing Robert Kraft over Macklemore
Excerpt
"I back Robert Kraft banning Macklemore from performing at Gillette 1000% and thank him for having a spine when many others in his shoes don't."
About this source
First-party post from Dave Portnoy's verified X account, timestamped 5:18 PM on September 16, 2026, with an attached 5:24 video. In the video Portnoy recounts Macklemore's 2014 costume, calls him an "anti-Semitic 9-11 truther," argues Kraft's refusal is a property-owner's decision rather than censorship, says he stands with Kraft "110%" and urges more Jews to speak out. Quotations transcribed from the video audio. Portnoy's characterisations of Macklemore and of the Gaza war are his own. Note that secondary write-ups render the figure inconsistently — TMZ as "100%" and HITC as "110%" — while the post text says 1000% and the video says 110%; these are different statements in the same post.
- Author
- Dave Portnoy
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
RTÉ: "Classic Hits Radio drops Ed Sheeran from playlist"
Excerpt
"As an independent Irish-owned radio station, however, we believe it is important to listen to our audience and to stand alongside Irish artists who have made what is undoubtedly a significant professional decision based on their own convictions."
About this source
RTÉ Entertainment report of September 17, 2026 on Ireland's Classic Hits Radio, operated by Bay Broadcasting, removing Ed Sheeran's music from its playlist for the foreseeable future, effective that day. It quotes Bay Broadcasting group programme director Dave Kelly and ties the decision to listener feedback and the withdrawal of Irish acts Aaron Rowe and Beoga from the Loop Tour. It notes Sheeran's position that the promoter made the decision to drop Macklemore.
- Author
- Suzanne Keane
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
The Independent: "What Robert Kraft told Ed Sheeran in 40-min call that saw Macklemore dropped from tour"
Excerpt
"while he felt for the Palestinian people and understood it was a complicated situation, he believed that Macklemore's comments constituted hate speech—not freedom of speech"
About this source
The Independent's report on the Wall Street Journal account, cited here at its Yahoo News syndication. It describes a 40-minute call in which Kraft told Ed Sheeran that he and owners Tepper, Blank and Lurie would not allow Macklemore at their venues, and carries a quotation from a person with knowledge of the conversation. The Independent notes neither Kraft nor Sheeran responded to its requests for comment. The quotation is that source's characterisation of Kraft's view, not a direct quotation of Kraft.
- Author
- Carsen Holaday
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
TMZ: "NFL Owners Who Backed Kraft On Axing Macklemore From Ed Sheeran Tour"
Excerpt
"Despite reportedly promising not to do it again, Macklemore kept his references to Palestine in the show for the second night."
About this source
TMZ report published 7:24 AM PDT on September 17, 2026 and updated at 8:47 AM PDT, relaying a Wall Street Journal report. It names David Tepper (Carolina Panthers), Arthur Blank (Atlanta Falcons) and Jeffrey Lurie (Philadelphia Eagles) as owners who backed Robert Kraft, and reports the WSJ's account that owners were assured Macklemore would drop references to Palestine on the second MetLife night. The underlying reporting is the Wall Street Journal's; wsj.com is not reachable to verify the original directly, so the account is recorded as attributed to the WSJ rather than established.
- Author
- TMZ Staff
- Published
- Accessed
Original text
FEC itemized receipts: Kraft family contributions to United Democracy Project, DMFI PAC, and AIPAC PAC
Excerpt
"Kraft Group LLC contributed $1,000,000 (07/15/2022) and $500,000 each on 08/22/2023, 08/29/2024, 05/13/2025, and 02/26/2026 to United Democracy Project (total $3,025,000). Daniel Kraft, Josh Kraft, Jonathan Kraft, and Robert Kraft each separately contributed to AIPAC PAC; Kraft Group LLC and Josh Kraft each gave $150,000 to DMFI PAC on 07/16/2021."
About this source
Primary FEC Schedule A itemized-receipts data (contributor name "kraft") for the three committees named in the Truthout claim: United Democracy Project (C00799031), DMFI PAC (C00710848), and AIPAC PAC (C00797670). Confirms and quantifies the claim that Robert Kraft and several of his children are recurring donors to all three committees.
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Massive Attack on Ed Sheeran-Palestine row: "'Neutrality' in the face of the slaughter of more than 20,000 children can never be neutrality" (NME)
Excerpt
"No artist should tolerate the censorship of another artist, however many millions of dollars are in play."
About this source
NME report quoting Massive Attack's Instagram statement on the Macklemore-Sheeran tour fallout, corroborated by Rolling Stone, Hotpress, Consequence, and HuffPost.
- Author
- Liberty Dunworth
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
AIPAC's Network Has Already Spent $67.2 Million to Shape the Midterm Elections (Truthout)
Excerpt
"Both Robert Kraft and most of his children are major donors to the United Democracy Project, DMFI, and AIPAC, having donated several million dollars combined to the three PACs across dozens of denominations over the past half-decade."
About this source
Truthout news analysis on AIPAC-network electoral spending; identifies Robert Kraft as a megadonor to AIPAC, its United Democracy Project super PAC, and DMFI, and separately notes his barring of Macklemore from Gillette Stadium.
- Author
- Derek Seidman
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Ireland Disowns Ed Sheeran Over Macklemore Stance (Newsweek)
About this source
Newsweek report on Irish political and cultural figures publicly distancing themselves from Ed Sheeran over Macklemore's removal from his tour.
- Author
- Alice Gibbs
- Published
- Accessed
Original post
Macklemore’s September 16 Instagram post pledging $1 million and naming six organizations
Relevant passage: Carousel slide 1 carries the statement; the post caption names the six recipient accounts: @thepcrf, @heal.palestine, @gazasoupkitchen, @medicalaidpal, @unrwausa, @aneraorg.
Excerpt
"Whatever we disagree about, perhaps we can agree on this: Palestinian lives are worth protecting. A Palestinian life is no less valuable than any other life on this earth."
About this source
Macklemore’s own first-party post. Slide 1 of the carousel carries the full written statement; the caption lists the six recipient organizations by Instagram handle. This is the primary record for the pledge, which the case previously quoted through a wire report. Note that the named recipient is UNRWA USA, the U.S. national committee, rather than UNRWA itself.
- Author
- Macklemore
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Billy Penn: Pro-Palestine groups announce protests outside Ed Sheeran concert in Philly
Excerpt
"Free Palestine is a call to direct action. On Saturday, we take to the streets to return the conversation to Palestine, and return Philadelphia to action. Ed Sheeran plays at Lincoln Financial Field on Saturday, his first show after caving to Zionist threats and dropping Macklemore as his opening act."
About this source
Billy Penn at WHYY report directly quoting the joint social media announcement from the Philly Palestine Coalition and Shut Down D&Z of a protest outside Ed Sheeran's September 19, 2026 Lincoln Financial Field show.
- Author
- Julia Binswanger
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
TMZ: Philly Palestine Coalition plans protest outside Ed Sheeran's Philadelphia show
Excerpt
"Ed Sheeran's Philly show is facing a planned pro-Palestine protest after Macklemore got dropped from his tour. Philly Palestine Coalition tells TMZ it's urging supporters to gather outside the September 19 show."
About this source
TMZ exclusive report that the Philly Palestine Coalition is urging supporters to gather outside Ed Sheeran's September 19, 2026 Philadelphia show in response to Macklemore's removal from the tour.
- Author
- TMZ
- Published
- Accessed
Original post
Tommy Vietor on X: Macklemore's speech is "completely unobjectionable"
Excerpt
"I had seen the coverage of this controversy but hadn't actually watched the speech until today...this is completely unobjectionable! Punishing him for these words is crazy and just pure censorship and everyone defending it was probably whining about cancel culture two years ago."
About this source
Tommy Vietor's own X post, quote-tweeting Macklemore's September 7 post, after watching the full MetLife speech.
- Published
- Accessed
Original video
MASSIE FILES TO IMPEACH HEGSETH (Tim Pool)
About this source
Tim Pool video ("MASSIE FILES TO IMPEACH HEGSETH") on his Timcast News channel, discussing both Massie's impeachment push and Macklemore's removal from Ed Sheeran's tour.
- Published
- Accessed
Original video
No One Believes Ben Shapiro Anymore haha (Mark Dice)
About this source
Mark Dice video reacting to Macklemore's removal from Ed Sheeran's Loop Tour.
- Published
- Accessed
Interview
Colin Kaepernick calls out Robert Kraft, NFL owners amid Macklemore tour ouster
Excerpt
"what Robert Kraft and what they're saying by denying Macklemore the opportunity to perform with Ed Sheeran is they are willing to collude"
About this source
TMZ report on Colin Kaepernick's comments on The MeidasTouch Podcast accusing Robert Kraft and NFL stadium owners of colluding to silence Macklemore.
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Ed Sheeran-Macklemore backlash: all the celebrities speaking out
Excerpt
"In the United States of America, billionaire stadium owners should not be able to silence artists because they speak out on political issues. Today it is the genocide in Gaza. What's next? If they can silence one artist, they can silence anyone."
About this source
TheWrap roundup including Sen. Bernie Sanders's X post criticizing Robert Kraft over Macklemore's tour removal.
- Published
- Accessed
Analysis
Tucker Carlson: "Tucker Responds to the Epstein Class Attacking Macklemore & Resurrecting Cancel Culture"
Excerpt
"Criticism of the behavior of a secular government is not criticism of an entire people, many of whom disapprove... That is not Jew hate... it's not a defense of any one person. It's a defense of the truth... the inalienable right of every person to express [their views]."
About this source
Tucker Carlson Show episode with guest Ana Kasparian, defending Macklemore's 'Free Palestine' remarks and condemning Robert Kraft's role in his tour removal.
- Published
- Accessed
Analysis
Breaking Points on Macklemore's tour removal
Excerpt
"didn't do anything wrong... he's a real one... complete cowardice on the part of Sheeran"
About this source
Breaking Points (Krystal Ball and Saagar Enjeti) segment on Macklemore's tour removal, before the Sept 16 donation pledges.
- Published
- Accessed
Analysis
Majority Report: "Zionist's Macklemore Cancellation Backfires"
Excerpt
"Zionist's Macklemore Cancellation Backfires"
About this source
Majority Report (Sam Seder) livestream covering the backlash against Macklemore's tour removal.
- Published
- Accessed
Analysis
Secular Talk: "Ed Sheeran PANICS As Tour FALLS APART & FANS REVOLT!!"
Excerpt
"Ed Sheeran PANICS As Tour FALLS APART & FANS REVOLT!!"
About this source
Secular Talk (Kyle Kulinski) video on the Macklemore/Ed Sheeran tour fallout, published amid the Sept 16, 2026 Gaza-donation pledges.
- Published
- Accessed
Original post
Gillette Stadium posts full statement from Robert Kraft
Excerpt
"I have dedicated much of my life to building bridges between all people. I believe deeply that all lives are worth protecting. Earlier today, before Macklemore challenged me to match his donation, Ed called me and asked me to commit $2 million to match his donation to aid in the region to fight this humanitarian crisis. Ed now plans to reach out to other venue owners and our goal is to continue to work together to build bridges. In addition, I'd like the people who are speaking in support of the Palestinian people to know that for decades, I have supported efforts that create opportunity for Palestinians and have brought young Palestinians and Israelis together to build businesses, create jobs, and forge relationships."
About this source
Gillette Stadium's official X account posting the full text of Robert Kraft's statement responding to Macklemore's donation challenge and Ed Sheeran's request for a matching pledge.
- Published
- Accessed
Original text
Marissa Bode calls out Ed Sheeran for failing to defend Macklemore
Excerpt
"Ed Sheeran, my legs may not work like they used to before, but at least I have a f***ing spine. Free Palestine."
About this source
Yahoo/HuffPost report on "Wicked" actor Marissa Bode's video criticizing Ed Sheeran for not defending Macklemore.
- Published
- Accessed
Original text
Roger Waters calls out "little pricks like" Ed Sheeran over Macklemore response
Excerpt
"There's two kinds of people in this world: There's people who do the right thing, that rapper Macklemore would be one of those people. And there's people, many of them sadly little ... pricks like you, who do the wrong thing. Goodbye."
About this source
HuffPost report on Roger Waters' Instagram video attacking Ed Sheeran over the Macklemore tour removal. Waters himself was previously criticized in 2023 for using antisemitic imagery in a stage show, which he defended as commentary on fascism.
- Published
- Accessed
Original text
Hannah Einbinder mocks Ed Sheeran on Instagram over Macklemore fallout
Excerpt
"Ed Sheeran i say this as a ginger. i hope you get a REALLY bad sun burn the kind on the back of your entire body where it hurts to lie down or walk or sit."
About this source
Fox News report on Hannah Einbinder's Instagram post mocking Ed Sheeran over his handling of Macklemore's tour removal.
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
AOC delivers stark message to Ed Sheeran amid Macklemore controversy
Excerpt
"When you see what Robert Kraft did to line up all of the stadiums to censor speech in that one specific way, it's become clear that this is not just about one music artist or two music artists, but this is about how just a handful of stadium owners and the elite can prevent an entire massive issue, in this case, the genocide in Gaza."
About this source
HuffPost report (republished on Yahoo) on Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's September 15, 2026 comments condemning Robert Kraft's role in Macklemore's tour removal, embedding a video clip of her remarks posted by Acyn on X.
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Macklemore invites Robert Kraft to match $1M pledge to Palestinian relief
Excerpt
"Whatever we disagree about, perhaps we can agree on this: Palestinian lives are worth protection. A Palestinian life is no less valuable than any life on this earth. ... Ed now plans to reach out to other venue owners and our goal is to continue to work together to build bridges."
About this source
NBC News report (via NBC Chicago, byline Doha Madani) on Macklemore's $1M Palestinian-relief pledge and invitation to Robert Kraft to match it, and Kraft's response statement (issued via the Gillette Stadium X account) describing a $2M match coordinated with Ed Sheeran.
- Published
- Accessed
Original post
Elan Carr on BBC Radio 4 Today
About this source
BBC Radio 4 Today clip of Elan Carr interviewed by Justin Webb, calling Free Palestine an antisemitic statement and saying free speech does not give Macklemore the right to hijack a stage.
- Author
- BBC Radio 4 Today
- Published
- Accessed
Original video
New Rule: Clash of Civilizations | Real Time with Bill Maher (HBO)
Excerpt
"I think Macklemore spoke for all clueless celebrities when he said, "I know enough to know this is a genocide.""
About this source
Official Real Time with Bill Maher upload of the September 12, 2026 closing monologue. Quotation taken from the video's own English caption track, not from secondary reporting.
- Author
- Bill Maher
- Published
- Accessed
Original post
American Jewish Committee statement on Macklemore's MetLife Stadium performance
Excerpt
"Concertgoers bought tickets to hear music, not to be subjected to political propaganda"
About this source
Institutional statement posted 11:27 AM ET on September 8, 2026 from AJC's verified account. The post also asserts that AJC New Jersey contacted the Meadowlands and that refunds were offered before the second show. That assertion is AJC's own and is not independently corroborated.
- Author
- American Jewish Committee
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Macklemore yanked off Ed Sheeran's tour after anti-Israel rants anger venues
Relevant passage: Closing section quoting publicist Michael Levine's statement to the Post.
Excerpt
"Macklemore turned Ed Sheeran's concert into a political rally,"
About this source
News report on Macklemore's removal from the tour. Levine's remarks are given to the Post directly as a statement; the article describes him as a media expert and Michael Jackson's former publicist.
- Published
- Accessed
Analysis
Ed Sheeran fans came for his music, not Macklemore's anti-Israel diatribe
Relevant passage: Opinion column, middle section responding to the argument that concerts are never neutral spaces.
Excerpt
"a guest performer using someone else's massive audience to deliver a reductive, one-sided take on one of the most contested conflicts in the most turbulent region in the world"
About this source
Signed opinion column in The Jewish Chronicle. The byline note identifies Harounoff as an award-winning British author and journalist and Israel's former international spokesperson at the United Nations.
- Author
- Jonathan Harounoff
- Published
- Accessed
Original post
Michael Rapaport post on X about Macklemore's MetLife set
Excerpt
"What's your favorite Macklemore song? I'll wait"
About this source
Post published 9:44 AM ET on September 5, 2026, the day after Macklemore's first MetLife Stadium set.
- Author
- Michael Rapaport
- Published
- Accessed
Original post
Mehdi Hasan calls Macklemore’s removal from Ed Sheeran’s tour ‘insane’
Excerpt
"This is insane. The so-called land of the free."
About this source
Hasan’s original post reacts to reporting that Macklemore was removed from scheduled Ed Sheeran tour dates after his pro-Palestinian speech. It criticizes the reported decision as inconsistent with the United States’ stated commitment to free expression; it does not independently establish the venues’ motives.
- Author
- Mehdi Hasan (@mehdirhasan)
- Published
- Accessed
Original post
Vic Mensa’s video praising Macklemore and Ms. Rachel’s courage
Relevant passage: Reel DdSJO2lSwaj — on-screen spoken captions, approximately 00:13–00:18; posting account @vicmensa
Excerpt
"tremendous amount of courage to jeopardize feeding your child for the children of somebody you’ve never met"
About this source
Original Instagram video on Vic Mensa's account (@vicmensa), with Mensa speaking beneath The Vic Mensa Show branding. The quoted fragment comes from the video's embedded captions at about 00:13 to 00:18; it is a short caption-based excerpt, not a complete or audio-verified transcript. In the surrounding passage Mensa praises Macklemore and Ms. Rachel, objects to concern for children's deaths being treated as controversial, jokes about a comparison between Macklemore and Malcolm X, and praises risking one's livelihood for other people's children, contrasting that courage with silence about Palestinian children's deaths. His written post description separately praises Macklemore and Ms. Rachel and raises a question about Zionism and white supremacy; that framing is attributed to Mensa. The post tags @chakabars, but the speaker is Mensa. We could not establish the original publication date; reader comments on the post date from September 14, 2026.
- Author
- Vic Mensa (@vicmensa)
- Accessed
Original post
Paul Drees’s video defending Macklemore and criticizing suppression of dissent
Relevant passage: Reel DdSSFYEgYAc — on-screen spoken captions, approximately 01:23–01:27; posting account @pastorpauldrees
Excerpt
"Macklemore is just part of this long history of those with power quashing dissidents."
About this source
Original Instagram video on @pastorpauldrees, with Paul Drees speaking in clerical dress. The quoted passage comes from the video's embedded captions at about 01:23 to 01:27; caption fragments are joined with sentence punctuation, and this is a short excerpt, not a complete or audio-verified transcript. The surrounding passage, from about 00:42 to 01:28, criticizes Ed Sheeran and Robert Kraft, argues that powerful people suppress dissent, and compares Macklemore’s treatment to earlier suppression of dissenters. Those assessments and Drees’s account of Kraft’s intervention are attributed to Drees. His written post description separately frames Palestinian liberation as a moral position and invokes Christian witness on behalf of marginalized people.
- Author
- Paul Drees (@pastorpauldrees)
- Accessed
Original post
Juliet Moses criticizes Macklemore’s use of Ed Sheeran’s stage for a political speech
Excerpt
"The moral narcissism of this guy. People don’t generally pay to go to concerts (certainly not Ed Sheeran ones) to get lectured by a dropkick about geopolitics, and objecting to that doesn’t make them bad people. It’s like giving a speech about cancer at someone’s wedding and then saying well cancer is more important than your feelings and so it’s my right and duty to give a speech about cancer and if you complain about it you obviously don’t care about cancer. There are layers of logical fallacy here. As I’ve noted before, sufferers of Israel derangement syndrome think that everybody else should be as deranged as they are, and that those who are not are morally inferior."
About this source
Primary X post. It directly attributes this reaction to Juliet Moses (@JulietMosesNZ) and provides the post text and timestamp.
- Author
- Juliet Moses (@JulietMosesNZ)
- Published
- Accessed
Original post
Rania Khalek praises Macklemore after his removal from Ed Sheeran’s tour
Excerpt
"The cowardice here is unbelievable. People like Ed Sheeran can afford to stand on the right side of history and still be successful and rich. They choose not to out of cowardice, ignorance or both. Macklemore deserves sooo much praise. And billionaires like Robert Kraft who enforced this nonsense are villains."
About this source
Primary X post. It directly attributes this reaction to Rania Khalek (@RaniaKhalek) and provides the post text and timestamp.
- Author
- Rania Khalek (@RaniaKhalek)
- Published
- Accessed
Original post
Aymeric Caron reacts to Macklemore’s removal from Ed Sheeran’s tour
Excerpt
"Ed Sheeran n’aime pas qu’on soutienne la Palestine. Bon à savoir."
About this source
Primary X post. It directly attributes this reaction to Aymeric Caron (@CaronAymericoff) and provides the post text and timestamp.
- Author
- Aymeric Caron (@CaronAymericoff)
- Published
- Accessed
Original post
StopAntisemitism welcomes Macklemore’s removal from Ed Sheeran’s tour
Excerpt
"Breaking: antisemite Macklemore is dropped from Ed Sheeran’s tour. Thank you to @Pink for calling out Macklemore’s problematic behavior and for not backing down when the haters came after you!"
About this source
Primary X post. It directly attributes this reaction to StopAntisemitism (@StopAntisemites) and provides the post text and timestamp.
- Author
- StopAntisemitism (@StopAntisemites)
- Published
- Accessed
Original post
Jonathan Greenblatt welcomes Macklemore’s removal from Ed Sheeran’s tour
Excerpt
"Glad to see Macklemore off Ed Sheeran’s tour. For years, Macklemore has pushed antisemitic tropes and demonized Israel and Israelis. Now he certainly has the 1A right to speak out and express his views, but demonizing Jews and Israelis shouldn’t be rewarded."
About this source
Primary X post. It directly attributes this reaction to Jonathan Greenblatt (@JGreenblattADL) and provides the post text and timestamp.
- Author
- Jonathan Greenblatt (@JGreenblattADL)
- Published
- Accessed
Original post
Jonathan Greenblatt urges venues to respond to Macklemore’s speech
Excerpt
"Macklemore demonized Israel and Israelis to a crowd of unsuspecting fans who came for music not propaganda. And while he may have the right to say what he wants, no matter how grotesque, businesses have every right to decide who they platform. We encourage stadium owners and venue management to demonstrate their values."
About this source
Primary X post. It directly attributes this reaction to Jonathan Greenblatt (@JGreenblattADL) and provides the post text and timestamp.
- Author
- Jonathan Greenblatt (@JGreenblattADL)
- Published
- Accessed
Original post
Ilhan Omar thanks Macklemore for speaking out
Excerpt
"Thank you @macklemore for using your platform and continuing to speak out against the genocide. None of us are free until all of us are free ✊🏽"
About this source
Primary X post. It directly attributes this reaction to Rep. Ilhan Omar (@IlhanMN) and provides the post text and timestamp.
- Author
- Rep. Ilhan Omar (@IlhanMN)
- Published
- Accessed
Original post
Pramila Jayapal responds to Macklemore’s removal from Ed Sheeran’s tour
Excerpt
"It’s so incredibly disappointing that Macklemore, my constituent, was removed from Ed Sheeran’s tour because of his comments in support of the Palestinian people. We should all be outraged that powerful people are more upset about what an artist says than the displacement, starvation, and killing of innocent Palestinian children and families. Thank you, Macklemore, for speaking up. This is a moment for us to come together, find our moral conscience as a nation, and end this genocide."
About this source
Primary X post. It directly attributes this reaction to Rep. Pramila Jayapal (@RepJayapal) and provides the post text and timestamp.
- Author
- Rep. Pramila Jayapal (@RepJayapal)
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Associated Press reports Robert Kraft’s statement on Macklemore’s Gillette Stadium appearances
Relevant passage: Kraft-statement paragraphs describing the Gillette Stadium decision and his statement.
Excerpt
"Their pain and loss are real."
About this source
AP independently reports Kraft’s statement concerning Macklemore’s planned Gillette Stadium appearances. It corroborates the statement’s attribution but does not establish Macklemore’s account of communications among venue owners.
- Author
- Associated Press
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
WHDH reports Robert Kraft’s statement on Macklemore at Gillette Stadium
Relevant passage: Paragraph beginning “In a statement, Robert Kraft said”; full statement follows.
Excerpt
"We determined that his participation in the September 25th and 26th concerts at Gillette Stadium would cross that line."
About this source
WHDH reproduces a statement attributed to Robert Kraft concerning Macklemore’s planned appearances at Gillette Stadium. It establishes the attributed statement and the venue-specific decision, not a tour-wide decision by other venues.
- Published
- Accessed
Original post
Ben Rhodes on the response to dissent over Macklemore’s removal
Excerpt
"“People can see what’s happening in the Middle East with their eyes and don’t want to be told what they’re allowed to think by people who own stadiums.”"
About this source
The account is Ben Rhodes’s, with a bio identifying Pod Save the World and his authorship. The post quote-posts a Consequence report on Sheeran losing his supporting acts, which ties it explicitly to this dispute rather than to the conflict in general.
- Author
- Ben Rhodes
- Published
- Accessed
Original post
Richard Boyd Barrett comment on Aaron Rowe’s withdrawal post
Relevant passage: Comment by @richardboydbarrett beneath Aaron Rowe’s September 15 withdrawal post.
Excerpt
"“A brave and selfless act to stand with Palestine & humanity against Israel’s barbarism and the billionaires that support their crimes.”"
About this source
The commenting account is verified as the politician’s: the Oireachtas member page publishes his X and Facebook accounts, and the Instagram account carries the display name “Richard Boyd Barrett TD.”
- Author
- Richard Boyd Barrett
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Kneecap, Garbage, Bob Vylan and more back Macklemore after Ed Sheeran axing
Relevant passage: Paragraphs quoting Kneecap, Bob Vylan, Kehlani, Garbage and Greta Thunberg. Published 12:49, 15 September 2026.
Excerpt
"“There is no thanks for a duty.”"
About this source
Far Out Magazine independently reports the same comments, corroborating the Press Association wording.
- Author
- Rachael Pimblett
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Kneecap offer ‘love and solidarity’ to Macklemore after Ed Sheeran tour dumping
Relevant passage: Paragraphs quoting Kneecap, CMAT, Paloma Faith, Bob Vylan, Garbage and Kehlani.
Excerpt
"“Free Palestine. They can never silence the truth.”"
About this source
Press Association copy carried by several regional titles. It distinguishes Kneecap’s comment on Macklemore’s post from the separate photo post they captioned, and notes that Bob Vylan’s comment was made while resharing a comment Macklemore had referenced.
- Author
- PA Media
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Rep. Tlaib Eviscerates Ed Sheeran For Supporting Ukraine, Silence On Palestine As Macklemore Controversy Escalates
Relevant passage: Quotations transcribed from the TMZ interview, published 3:02 p.m., September 15, 2026.
Excerpt
"“There’s always an exception for Palestinian people, as if we’re disposable.”"
About this source
AllHipHop transcribes Rep. Tlaib’s answers from the TMZ video at greater length than TMZ’s own write-up, and is the source of the verbatim wording recorded here.
- Author
- Nolan Strong
- Published
- Accessed
Interview
Rep. Rashida Tlaib Torches Ed Sheeran, Robert Kraft Over Macklemore
Relevant passage: Article and accompanying exclusive video, “Rashida Tlaib Defends Macklemore, Torches Ed Sheeran and Robert Kraft,” filmed by Charlie Cotton for TMZ DC. Published 10:09 a.m. PDT, September 15, 2026.
Excerpt
"“I don’t respect Ed Sheeran or Robert Kraft.”"
About this source
TMZ’s own doorstep interview with Rep. Tlaib, published as video with a written summary. The video is the primary record; the article paraphrases rather than transcribing most of her answers. TMZ adds that Gillette Stadium is among the few privately financed NFL stadiums, which bears on her description of “publicly funded stadiums.”
- Author
- TMZ Staff
- Published
- Accessed
Original video
Philip DeFranco, “Ed Sheeran Just Made The Macklemore Mess So Much Worse”
Excerpt
"“Ed, your silence was loud. Your inaction was gargantuan.”"
About this source
A further Philip DeFranco video published after Ed Sheeran’s September 15 statement, responding to it directly.
- Author
- Philip DeFranco
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Film stars to singers: The A-listers who are team Macklemore after Ed Sheeran booted him off tour
Relevant passage: Paragraphs quoting individual commenters.
Excerpt
"“Your action matters and will reverberate.”"
About this source
The Tab collects reactions to Macklemore’s statement, independently quoting Paloma Faith, Alyson Stoner, Greta Thunberg and Kehlani. It also lists many public figures who only liked or reacted to the post without commenting.
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Zara Larsson, Kehlani, Hannah Einbinder & More Stars Support Macklemore After Ed Sheeran Tour Removal
Relevant passage: Multi-page round-up; quotations of individual commenters.
Excerpt
"“much respect.”"
About this source
Just Jared collects comments left beneath Macklemore’s September 14 Instagram statement and quotes them individually across a multi-page round-up. The comments themselves were not read from the post, whose thread runs to tens of thousands of entries; each quotation here rests on this outlet’s transcription.
- Author
- Bradley Stern
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Macklemore’s Ed Sheeran tour exit draws support from fellow artists
Relevant passage: Section headed “Support for Macklemore”.
Excerpt
"“Whatever happened to free speech?”"
About this source
Rolling Stone Philippines reports the reactions of Greta Thunberg, Ms. Rachel and Garbage, and carries an extended version of Robert Kraft’s statement.
- Author
- Elijah Pareño
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Kneecap, Bob Vylan, Greta Thunberg and more rally behind Macklemore following Ed Sheeran tour drop
Relevant passage: Paragraphs quoting Kneecap, Bob Vylan and Greta Thunberg.
Excerpt
"“Full solidarity and free Palestine.”"
About this source
The Line of Best Fit reports comments left in support of Macklemore, including Greta Thunberg’s, and records a separate Kneecap comment distinct from the group’s own post. Published 15 September 2026 at 10:45.
- Author
- Kayla Sandiford
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
MUNA, Kehlani and Garbage have challenged Macklemore’s removal from Ed Sheeran’s tour
Relevant passage: Paragraphs quoting MUNA, Kehlani and Garbage.
Excerpt
"“Everyone involved in the move to silence free speech about a genocide is utterly pathetic.”"
About this source
Dork independently reports and quotes the same reactions from MUNA, Kehlani and Garbage, published 15 September 2026.
- Author
- Jess Hunt
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Macklemore Ed Sheeran Tour Removal: Garbage, Ms. Rachel, MUNA React
Relevant passage: Paragraphs quoting Ms. Rachel, Garbage, MUNA and Kehlani.
Excerpt
"“Macklemore’s words were not antisemitic.”"
About this source
Billboard collects reactions to Macklemore’s removal and quotes the Instagram statements of Garbage and MUNA and Kehlani’s comment beneath Macklemore’s own post. We could not read the original posts.
- Published
- Accessed
Original post
Beoga’s September 15 Instagram statement leaving Ed Sheeran’s tour
Relevant passage: Post captioned “A statement from us all. Saoirse don Phailistín 🇵🇸”; statement carried in the post’s images.
Excerpt
"“A statement from us all. Saoirse don Phailistín 🇵🇸”"
About this source
Beoga’s own account, @beogamusic, announcing the band’s departure from the tour. The caption matches the wording reported by NBC News. The body of the statement is published as images rather than caption text, so the quoted wording is taken from news transcription of those images, not from the post itself.
- Author
- Beoga
- Published
- Accessed
Original post
Lukas Graham’s September 15 Instagram statement withdrawing from Ed Sheeran’s tour
Relevant passage: Statement image post.
About this source
Lukas Graham’s own account, @lukasgraham, announcing the band’s withdrawal from the remaining dates.
- Author
- Lukas Graham
- Published
- Accessed
Original post
Aaron Rowe’s September 15 Instagram statement withdrawing from Ed Sheeran’s tour
Relevant passage: Statement image post.
About this source
Aaron Rowe’s own account, @aaronrowe__, announcing his withdrawal as a support act. The body of the statement is published as images rather than caption text, so the wording we quote is taken from news transcription of those images.
- Author
- Aaron Rowe
- Published
- Accessed
Original post
Finneas’s September 15 Instagram statement withdrawing from Ed Sheeran’s tour
Relevant passage: Statement image post.
About this source
Finneas’s own account, @finneas, announcing his withdrawal from his upcoming Ed Sheeran dates. The body of the statement is published as images rather than caption text, so the wording quoted in our record is taken from news transcription of those images, not read from the post itself.
- Author
- Finneas
- Published
- Accessed
Original post
Ed Sheeran’s September 15 Instagram statement on Macklemore’s removal from the Loop Tour
Relevant passage: Post captioned “It’s important that I set out some facts.”; statement carried across the post’s images.
Excerpt
"“It’s important that I set out some facts.”"
About this source
Ed Sheeran’s own account, @teddysphotos, posting the statement in which he says the promoter and venues made the decision. The body of the statement is published as images rather than caption text, so the wording we quote is taken from news transcription of those images, not read from the post itself.
- Author
- Ed Sheeran
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Finneas and other acts exit Ed Sheeran tour to protest Macklemore being dropped over pro-Palestinian remarks
Relevant passage: Paragraphs quoting Finneas, Lukas Graham and Beoga.
Excerpt
"“Money doesn’t give you the right to own the conversation.”"
About this source
NBC News reports the withdrawals and quotes Finneas, Lukas Graham and Beoga, including the Irish-language caption on Beoga’s post.
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Four supporting acts quit Ed Sheeran tour after Macklemore’s removal for pro-Palestinian comments
Relevant passage: Paragraphs quoting Aaron Rowe and Beoga.
Excerpt
"“We are Irish people who understand colonialism.”"
About this source
The Globe and Mail reports the four withdrawals and quotes the statements of Aaron Rowe and Beoga, noting that Rowe and Lukas Graham had been due to replace Macklemore and that Beoga performed inside Sheeran’s own set.
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Finneas, Lukas Graham Leave Ed Sheeran Tour After Macklemore’s Removal
Relevant passage: Paragraphs quoting Finneas and Lukas Graham.
Excerpt
"“Artists must not be silenced when they speak up for the oppressed.”"
About this source
Rolling Stone reports the withdrawal of Ed Sheeran’s remaining supporting acts and quotes their Instagram statements. We could not read the original posts.
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Ed Sheeran addresses Macklemore’s tour exit amid Robert Kraft boycott claims
Relevant passage: Passages quoting Sheeran, Aaron Rowe, Ms. Rachel, Kneecap, Mayor Hammoud and Rep. Jayapal.
Excerpt
"“I am not complicit. I have my personal views on this devastating conflict.”"
About this source
NBC News reports Sheeran’s September 15 Instagram statement and rounds up public figures who voiced support for Macklemore, including Kneecap and the mayor of Dearborn. Published 11:03 a.m. ET and updated 3:18 p.m. ET on September 15, 2026.
- Author
- Doha Madani
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Ed Sheeran Breaks Silence on Macklemore Leaving Tour: Venue, Promoter Made ‘Final’ Decisions
Relevant passage: Paragraphs quoting the Instagram statement.
Excerpt
"“I was also involved in direct talks with promoters along with activists on both sides to try and find a mutual resolution for all, but the venue’s and promoter’s decision was final.”"
About this source
Rolling Stone quotes at length from the statement Ed Sheeran posted to Instagram on September 15, 2026. We could not read the original post; the wording here is the outlet’s transcription, corroborated independently by NBC News.
- Author
- Kory Grow
- Published
- Accessed
Original post
Lucy Caldwell says Macklemore’s removal will ‘backfire spectacularly’
Excerpt
"This will backfire spectacularly on Kraft et al."
About this source
Caldwell predicts the reported removal will generate positive media for Macklemore and be counterproductive to Robert Kraft and proponents of Israel’s current government.
- Author
- Lucy Caldwell (@lucymcaldwell)
- Published
- Accessed
Original post
Ms. Rachel criticizes Ed Sheeran over pressure against support for Palestine
Relevant passage: Post DdR1LH3gYBP: text image, opening sentence; accompanying caption
About this source
Original text image and caption on Ms. Rachel’s verified Instagram account,. She criticizes Ed Sheeran for yielding to pressure to punish support for Palestine and urges opposition to what she calls genocide in Gaza.
- Author
- Ms. Rachel (@msrachelforlittles)
- Published
- Accessed
Original video
Philip DeFranco criticizes Ed Sheeran's response to Macklemore's tour removal
About this source
September 14 episode on Philip DeFranco's verified YouTube channel. His own opinion criticizes Sheeran's response to Macklemore's removal and rejects conflating criticism of Israel's government with antisemitism. The criticism is directed at Sheeran's response and exclusion, not at Macklemore's speech. The Ms. Rachel quotation at 13:43-13:52 belongs to her and is excluded from DeFranco's excerpt. Sheeran's purported private remarks and Kraft/stadium-owner coordination are presented as attributed accounts, not independently proven by this video.
- Author
- Philip DeFranco
- Published
- Accessed
Original post
Macklemore’s Facebook account of stadium-owner pressure over his tour removal
Relevant passage: Facebook carousel, slides 4–5. Slide 4: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1641060924044001&set=pcb.1641060994043994
About this source
Macklemore’s verified public Facebook account posted this statement on September 14; the exact time was not established. This mirrors the removal statement already recorded from Instagram. Slides 4–5 contain his account of what Sheeran told him about Kraft, other stadium owners, and objections to the slogan and flag. Earlier slides describe their friendship and reject a character attack. This supports attribution to Macklemore, not independent verification of private conversations or a direct public statement by Sheeran or Kraft. Slides 1, 3, 4, and 5 were visually verified; the remaining carousel was not fully reviewed.
- Author
- Macklemore
- Published
- Accessed
Original video
Dave Neal defends Macklemore after removal from Ed Sheeran's tour
Excerpt
"this was incredibly courageous for him to do"
About this source
Full 17:20 commentary video on Dave Neal's verified YouTube channel, published September 14, 2026. The video includes Neal's own commentary, Macklemore's written statement read aloud, an embedded stage speech, and third-party comments. The excerpt is Neal's own endorsement at 01:46 to 01:48. His account of pressure from venue owners follows Macklemore's allegations; it is not independent proof of coordination. His predictions about future bookings and commercial consequences are his views, not established facts.
- Author
- Dave Neal
- Published
- Accessed
Original video
Hasan Piker defends Macklemore in September 14 stream
Relevant passage: Approximately 02:29:45–02:30:42; broader discussion begins at 02:15:36
About this source
Piker’s own commentary following Macklemore’s MetLife speech and removal statement. The quotation was checked against two transcriptions of the audio. Twitch lists the recording date; passage timestamps are approximate.
- Author
- Hasan Piker
- Published
- Accessed
Original post
Macklemore’s September 14 statement about removal from Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour
Relevant passage: Instagram carousel post, slides 1–4; statement says Ed Sheeran and his team removed him from The Loop Tour and explains his reaction.
Excerpt
"I do not agree with the decision. But I understand it."
About this source
Direct statement from Macklemore after reports that promoter Messina Touring Group said he would not perform remaining Loop Tour support dates. Macklemore attributes the decision to Ed Sheeran and his team; the previously recorded reporting attributes the operational decision to the promoter. This source establishes Macklemore’s attribution and response, not an independent account of who made the decision.
- Author
- Macklemore
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Rolling Stone UK reports Macklemore will not perform remaining Loop Tour support dates
Relevant passage: Report quoting Messina Touring Group’s statement on the remaining U.S. Loop Tour support dates
Excerpt
"Macklemore will not be performing on the remaining support dates."
About this source
Rolling Stone UK reports that Messina Touring Group said venue objections to Macklemore’s participation would lead to concert cancellations and said he will not perform the remaining Ed Sheeran Loop Tour support dates. The report attributes the decision to the promoter; it does not establish an independent decision by Ed Sheeran.
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Stereogum reports Macklemore’s removal from remaining Ed Sheeran tour support dates
Relevant passage: Report reproducing Messina Touring Group’s statement on Macklemore’s remaining tour dates
Excerpt
"Macklemore will not be performing on the remaining support dates."
About this source
Stereogum independently reports the promoter's statement that Macklemore will not perform the remaining dates as Ed Sheeran's support act after venues objected to his participation.
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
P!nk explains her response to Macklemore’s MetLife speech
Excerpt
"I have never asked for another artist to be silenced and I’m not asking now. I don’t need anyone fired, and I don’t need a refund."
About this source
Variety’s Australia/New Zealand edition republishes P!nk’s September 11 Instagram clarification in full. It reports that the original post’s comments were disabled and part of her statement was no longer visible on Instagram; the article preserves the quoted statement. The primary post is https://www.instagram.com/p/DdKPJsVTvtl/.
- Published
- Accessed
Interview
Espe Palacio on Macklemore’s speech
Relevant passage: First interview answer, followed by discussion of US and European contracts
About this source
Visible creation time: September 10, 17:31 CEST; URL says September 11. Interview recording time unknown. This records Palacio’s opinion.
- Author
- Ana Rojas
- Published
- Accessed
Original post
Mehdi Hasan defends Macklemore against calls for removal from Ed Sheeran’s tour
About this source
Hasan’s original post defends Macklemore’s political speech and opposes removing him from Sheeran’s tour. Its characterization of critics is Hasan’s argument, not a finding about every critic.
- Author
- Mehdi Hasan (@mehdirhasan)
- Published
- Accessed
Official statement
StandWithUs urges Macklemore's removal from the remaining Loop Tour dates
Relevant passage: Campaign heading, substantive discussion of the MetLife set and concluding removal demand
About this source
Original institutional action page published September 10, 2026. It characterizes Macklemore's set as hostile anti-Israel advocacy and asks readers to urge his removal from every remaining tour date. This is separate from the Israeli-American Council petition already in the case. The organization's assertions about the conflict are its own positions, not our findings. The campaign action is included in its position record without a redundant timeline entry.
- Author
- StandWithUs
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Boy George criticizes Macklemore as Paloma Faith offers support
Excerpt
"Slogans such as “Free Palestine” offer the appearance of moral courage without requiring much political knowledge."
About this source
Reporting that preserves Boy George’s direct criticism, Paloma Faith’s “My Hero” reshare, and the text P!nk amplified from StopAntisemitism.
- Author
- Max Halton
- Published
- Accessed
Original post
StopAntisemitism statement and video about Macklemore’s MetLife set
Excerpt
"Jewish patrons should not be subjected to this propaganda."
About this source
Organization post showing the performance and characterizing it as anti-Israel propaganda; P!nk later reposted related text without adding case-specific commentary.
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
IAC urges Ed Sheeran to drop Macklemore after anti-Israel act
Excerpt
"This is completely unacceptable."
About this source
Reporting that preserves attributed statements from the IAC, ADL, and StopAntisemitism, including text from their posts.
- Published
- Accessed
Original post
Anti-Defamation League statement on Macklemore’s MetLife set
Excerpt
"They came for a concert, not performative, biased and hateful anti-Israel “activism” from his opener, Macklemore."
About this source
First-party ADL post characterizing the performance and describing its perceived effect on Jewish and Israeli concertgoers.
- Published
- Accessed
Official statement
Israeli-American Council petition to Ed Sheeran and Loop Tour organizers
Excerpt
"This was an Ed Sheeran concert—not a political rally, not a protest, and not an activist event."
About this source
Public petition requesting Macklemore’s removal, disclosure of advance approval, and boundaries on political messaging during the tour.
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Full transcript of Macklemore’s MetLife speech
Excerpt
"Criticism of Israel, criticism of apartheid, being against genocide in no way is a criticism of you."
About this source
Reporting that reproduces the full speech, including Macklemore’s direct address to Jewish listeners and the IAC response.
- Author
- David Niederhoffer
- Published
- Accessed
Corrections
(6)
Corrections address errors in our reporting or labels. When a speaker changes their position, we add a separate statement and link it to the earlier one.
Reporting correction
Correction to: /cases/macklemore-free-palestine-ed-sheeran-metlife
- Previous language
- The case overview said Macklemore's account of broader venue-owner coordination "remains attributed to him," with no independent confirmation.
- Corrected language
- On September 17, the Wall Street Journal (via TMZ) reported that Robert Kraft told Ed Sheeran in a 40-minute call that three other owners — David Tepper, Arthur Blank and Jeffrey Lurie — would not allow Macklemore at their venues either. Kraft is the only one of the four who has confirmed this in his own words; the coordination is no longer attributed to Macklemore alone.
The overview was written before the Wall Street Journal's September 17 report and was not updated when the timeline event (TL 314) was added. It left the impression that Macklemore's claim of coordinated venue-owner pressure was still unconfirmed, when it has since been independently reported with three owners named.
This corrects our account of what happened.
TMZ report published 7:24 AM PDT on September 17, 2026 and updated at 8:47 AM PDT, relaying a Wall Street Journal report. It names David Tepper (Carolina Panthers), Arthur Blank (Atlanta Falcons) and Jeffrey Lurie (Philadelphia Eagles) as owners who backed Robert Kraft, and reports the WSJ's account that owners were assured Macklemore would drop references to Palestine on the second MetLife night. The underlying reporting is the Wall Street Journal's; wsj.com is not reachable to verify the original directly, so the account is recorded as attributed to the WSJ rather than established.
Classification correction
Correction to: Statement by Mehdi Hasan
- Previous classification
- Condemns — "The post expressly criticizes the reported removal. It does not independently assess the merits of Macklemore's speech or dispute a hate-speech characterization."
- Corrected classification
- Defends or excuses — Relative to this case's reference point, Macklemore's MetLife message and conduct, Hasan calls the removal "insane" and inconsistent with a country that calls itself free. Treating the punishment as indefensible treats the conduct that drew it as acceptable.
The original rationale itself established the mismatch: it recorded that the post criticises the removal and does "not independently assess the merits of Macklemore's speech". Under this taxonomy "Condemns" requires rejecting the conduct or claim being addressed, which here is Macklemore's message, so a criticism aimed at the removal cannot carry that label. Statements of the same kind in this case are labelled "Defends or excuses", and this speaker's own earlier statement in the same case, of 7 September, already carries that label. Applying the case's reference point consistently resolves the two records to the same position. The classification records a response to the case question; it is not a judgement of the speaker.
This corrects an editorial classification.
Classification correction
Correction to: Statement by Colin Kaepernick
- Previous classification
- Condemns — "Kaepernick directly accuses Kraft and NFL stadium owners of colluding to silence Macklemore, drawing an explicit parallel to his own NFL blackballing -- a direct condemnation of Kraft's conduct."
- Corrected classification
- Defends or excuses — Relative to this case's reference point, Macklemore's MetLife message and conduct, Kaepernick argues the artist should not have been denied the stage for it and warns that the precedent threatens anyone who takes an action the owners dislike. That treats the conduct under scrutiny as acceptable rather than rejecting it.
The original label recorded the target of Kaepernick's criticism, Robert Kraft and the stadium owners, rather than his position on the conduct this case examines; its own rationale called it "a direct condemnation of Kraft's conduct". Materially identical statements in this case are already labelled "Defends or excuses", including Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Ben Rhodes, both criticising the silencing without separately praising the speech. TheWrap, which reports the fuller remarks, describes Kaepernick as echoing Ocasio-Cortez's concerns. Applying the case's reference point consistently, this is a defence of the conduct under scrutiny. The classification records a response to the case question; it is not a judgement of the speaker.
This corrects an editorial classification.
TheWrap roundup including Sen. Bernie Sanders's X post criticizing Robert Kraft over Macklemore's tour removal.
Classification correction
Correction to: Statement by Bernie Sanders
- Previous classification
- Condemns — "Sanders directly condemns Kraft's role in Macklemore's removal, framing it as billionaire censorship of political speech."
- Corrected classification
- Defends or excuses — Relative to this case's reference point, Macklemore's MetLife message and conduct, Sanders argues that speaking out should not have cost the artist his place on the tour and adopts Macklemore's own characterization of Gaza as a genocide. That treats the conduct under scrutiny as acceptable rather than rejecting it.
The original label recorded the target of Sanders's criticism, Robert Kraft, rather than his position on the conduct this case examines. Its own rationale said so: it described a condemnation of "Kraft's role in Macklemore's removal", not of Macklemore's speech. Materially identical statements in this case are already labelled "Defends or excuses", including Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez on the same day and the same subject. Applying the case's reference point consistently, this is a defence of the conduct under scrutiny. The classification records a response to the case question; it is not a judgement of the speaker.
This corrects an editorial classification.
TheWrap roundup including Sen. Bernie Sanders's X post criticizing Robert Kraft over Macklemore's tour removal.
Reporting correction
Correction to: Statement by Macklemore
- Previous language
- Quotation as published: “Whatever we disagree about, perhaps we can agree on this: Palestinian lives are worth protection. A Palestinian life is no less valuable than any life on this earth.” Context before, as published: “In an Instagram post two days after being dropped from Ed Sheeran's tour, Macklemore said he wanted to "bring the conversation back where it belongs."”
- Corrected language
- Quotation, corrected to the wording in Macklemore’s own post: “Whatever we disagree about, perhaps we can agree on this: Palestinian lives are worth protecting. A Palestinian life is no less valuable than any other life on this earth.” The recorded quotation now also carries the two preceding paragraphs of the statement. Context before, corrected: the statement appears on slide 1 of an Instagram carousel, and Macklemore said he wanted to “bring the conversation back to where it belongs.”
The quotation was taken from a wire report rather than from Macklemore’s own post, and differed from his wording in two places: “worth protection” for “worth protecting,” and “no less valuable than any life” for “no less valuable than any other life.” A paraphrase in the surrounding context also dropped the word “to.” Macklemore’s Instagram post has been added as the primary source and the quotation now matches it. The substance of the pledge is unchanged.
This corrects our account of what happened.
Macklemore’s own first-party post. Slide 1 of the carousel carries the full written statement; the caption lists the six recipient organizations by Instagram handle. This is the primary record for the pledge, which the case previously quoted through a wire report. Note that the named recipient is UNRWA USA, the U.S. national committee, rather than UNRWA itself.
NBC News report (via NBC Chicago, byline Doha Madani) on Macklemore's $1M Palestinian-relief pledge and invitation to Robert Kraft to match it, and Kraft's response statement (issued via the Gillette Stadium X account) describing a $2M match coordinated with Ed Sheeran.
Reporting correction
Correction to: Macklemore’s “Free Palestine” speech and removal from Ed Sheeran’s U.S. tour
- Previous language
- Timeline entry, September 16, 2026: “Macklemore, Kraft, and Sheeran pledge a combined $5M to Palestinian relief ($1M + $2M + $2M).” Summary: “he pledged $1M in tour earnings to Palestinian relief and invited Robert Kraft to match it; Kraft agreed to a $2M match coordinated with Ed Sheeran, who also committed $2M, for a combined $5M pledge.”
- Corrected language
- Timeline entry retitled: “Macklemore pledges $1M to six Palestinian relief groups; Kraft and Sheeran each commit $2M ‘to aid in the region’.” The summary now states that Macklemore named six recipient organizations; that Kraft’s statement, posted by the Gillette Stadium X account, says Sheeran asked him “to commit $2 million to match his donation to aid in the region to fight this humanitarian crisis”; that Kraft’s statement names no recipient organization; and that Sheeran’s $2 million is known through Kraft’s account, with reporting noting neither had specified where the money would go.
The entry described all three pledges as going to Palestinian relief. Only Macklemore’s statement names Palestinian relief organizations. Kraft’s own words describe aid “in the region” to fight a humanitarian crisis, without naming a recipient, and Sheeran’s pledge is known only through Kraft’s statement. The combined $5 million figure is unchanged; the description of where each pledge is directed is corrected. A reader raised the distinction on Threads on September 17, 2026.
This corrects our account of what happened.
Gillette Stadium's official X account posting the full text of Robert Kraft's statement responding to Macklemore's donation challenge and Ed Sheeran's request for a matching pledge.
NBC News report (via NBC Chicago, byline Doha Madani) on Macklemore's $1M Palestinian-relief pledge and invitation to Robert Kraft to match it, and Kraft's response statement (issued via the Gillette Stadium X account) describing a $2M match coordinated with Ed Sheeran.
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- Publisher
- The Dispute Index
- Title
- Macklemore’s “Free Palestine” speech and removal from Ed Sheeran’s U.S. tour
- First published
- Last updated
- Permalink
- https://disputeindex.com/cases/macklemore-free-palestine-ed-sheeran-metlife
The Dispute Index. "Macklemore’s “Free Palestine” speech and removal from Ed Sheeran’s U.S. tour". First published: 2026-09-09. Last updated: 2026-09-30. https://disputeindex.com/cases/macklemore-free-palestine-ed-sheeran-metlife