Kathy Griffin Criticizes Ed Sheeran Over Macklemore Tour Controversy

Comedian Kathy Griffin stated on Wednesday that singer Ed Sheeran should have rejected pressure from Gillette Stadium owner and billionaire Robert Kraft after Kraft barred Macklemore from performing as Sheeran’s opening act. Macklemore faced this decision due to his ‘Free Palestine’ actions during performances and his anti-Israel song ‘Hind’s Hall.’

In an interview with Queerty, Griffin commented on the incident. She said Sheeran should have supported Macklemore instead of following the advice of concert promoters and venues who removed Macklemore from Sheeran’s tour.

I wish that Ed Sheeran had not taken the advice of the ones who told him to fire Macklemore, Griffin said. Let’s not be listening to Robert Kraft. When Kraft says I’ve called all the other stadium owners and they’re not gonna let you do the show with Macklemore either, Ed Sheeran should have said he could perform elsewhere, added Griffin.

Griffin expressed that Macklemore’s comments are protected by free speech and shared her own support for a ‘Free Palestine.’ She mentioned that, in her view, the situation in Palestine is a genuine genocide, though she does not wish harm upon Israel and appreciates the Israeli people. Griffin criticized Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu, claiming he has negatively impacted Israel’s politics, while emphasizing her lack of animosity toward Jewish or Palestinian people.

Macklemore has announced his own ‘Free Palestine Tour’ following the ban, with scheduled shows in Dublin, Paris, and London. Meanwhile, pro-Israel organizations like the Israeli-American Council have supported Kraft’s actions, condemning Macklemore’s political stance as antisemitic.

A statement from the Israeli-American Council emphasized support for Kraft’s decision, highlighting his moral leadership in excluding Macklemore from concert stages due to what they perceive as antisemitism.