Scandal around Ed Sheeran concert: comment by Jewish billionaire

New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft confirmed that he pushed to have rapper Macklemore removed from Ed Sheeran's tour due to antisemitic remarks. Macklemore called Israel's actions genocide during a concert in New Jersey. Kraft stated that his stadium does not allow hate speech and offered the rapper a meeting.

New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft confirmed that he pressured Ed Sheeran's tour organizers to remove rapper Macklemore over antisemitic remarks. The businessman stated this on Monday, confirming the rapper's own claims of behind-the-scenes pressure. The scandal began after a performance in New Jersey where Macklemore called Israel's actions genocide and shouted "Free Palestine" from the stage. This drew sharp criticism from Jewish and pro-Israel organizations. Sheeran's promoter said Macklemore was removed from the tour because some venues refused to host concerts with his participation. Kraft explained that Gillette Stadium maintains a policy against broadcasting hate from the stage, and Macklemore's remarks crossed that line. The businessman emphasized that his decision was directed not against Palestinians but against Hamas. In conclusion, Kraft offered Macklemore a personal meeting to discuss their differences.