Rapper Macklemore faces criticism for his pro-Palestinian statements during his opening act on Ed Sheeran’s U.S. tour. He received support from Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., who referenced the controversy in a fundraising memo sent to her supporters. She criticized billionaire Robert Kraft for allegedly influencing Sheeran to remove Macklemore from his concert tour.
The memo obtained by Fox News Digital stated, “Billionaire stadium owner, Robert Kraft, did not like Macklemore, a Grammy-winning rapper, saying ‘Free Palestine’ on stage — so he made calls and the artist got pulled off of Ed Sheeran’s tour.”
Ocasio-Cortez argued that this incident extends beyond music. She emphasized that it highlights the power of influential figures like stadium owners in censoring discussions on major issues, including the situation in Gaza.
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The congresswoman also highlighted social class struggles. She warned that certain individuals could prevent discussions on artificial intelligence, workers’ rights, and other significant topics. Ocasio-Cortez described this as a dangerous precedent, questioning how far powerful individuals might go to restrict speech.
She expressed the importance of publicly opposing this abuse of power. The focus, she noted, should remain on Kraft’s use of influence to control public dialogue.
Macklemore faced more criticism after saying “Free Palestine” during a performance in New Jersey on Sept. 4. He dedicated a song to Columbia University protests and addressed various geopolitical issues, including regions like Lebanon and Sudan.
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Kraft, owner of the New England Patriots, threatened to cancel Sheeran’s show in response. Macklemore continued his statements during subsequent performances, specifying his criticism was directed at Israel, not Jewish religion.
Despite his clarifications, backlash from pro-Israel groups led to Macklemore’s removal from Sheeran’s tour. Kraft later stated he would discuss facts with Macklemore, emphasizing a shared goal: peace and an end to hate.
Kraft also pledged $2 million to aid Palestinians, while maintaining ties with figures like Trump, despite personal differences.
Fox News Digital reached out to the New England Patriots for comment from Kraft.
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