Ed Sheeran Says Venues Forced Macklemore Off 8 U.S. Tour Dates

Q: Did a billionaire stadium owner secretly orchestrate a nationwide boycott to force Macklemore off the tour?

There is evidence that Robert Kraft helped block Macklemore at least at Gillette Stadium, but there is no independent proof that he secretly orchestrated a nationwide boycott. What is confirmed is that Ed Sheeran said Macklemore’s removal was made by promoter Messina Touring Group and venue operators after multiple stadiums warned they would not host the shows if Macklemore remained on the bill. The promoter publicly backed that account, saying venues on the remaining U.S. dates would not allow the concerts to proceed with Macklemore on the lineup. Kraft himself confirmed only part of the story. He said Gillette Stadium, which he owns, barred Macklemore because of what he described as offensive rhetoric and imagery, and said the venue would not provide a platform for hate speech. But Kraft did not publicly confirm Macklemore’s allegation that he rallied other stadium owners or coordinated a broader effort. The broader boycott claim comes mainly from Macklemore, who said Sheeran told him Kraft had contacted him and helped assemble other venue owners to pressure the tour. Sheeran later said he had spoken with Kraft and others while trying to find a compromise, but did not say Kraft led a coordinated campaign. So the record supports this much: several venues objected, Gillette definitely barred Macklemore, and that pressure led to his removal. The claim that Kraft secretly organized a nationwide effort remains unverified.

3 articles · Updated · Variety · Sep 15

Ed Sheeran said Macklemore’s removal from the remaining U.S. Loop tour stops was the promoter’s call after venues warned they would pull shows if the rapper stayed on the bill.
Sept. 4-5 performances at MetLife Stadium triggered the dispute, after Macklemore used his opening sets to deliver “Free Palestine” remarks and perform “Hind’s Hall” alongside Gaza imagery.
Sheeran said he spent the week in talks with venues, promoters and activists on both sides — including Robert Kraft — but could not reverse what he called a final decision.
Messina Touring Group had already said Macklemore would miss 8 of Sheeran’s 10 remaining stadium dates, arguing cancellation would affect hundreds of thousands of fans and touring workers.
The fallout widened after an Israeli American Council petition demanded Macklemore’s removal, while Macklemore accused Kraft of organizing stadium owners against him before Sheeran broke his silence.