Robert Kraft basically looked at Macklemore and said, “Yeah… about that concert.”

Macklemore was scheduled to open for Ed Sheeran at Gillette Stadium on September 25 and 26. 

Then Kraft heard what went down at MetLife Stadium. 

And apparently the Patriots owner decided that Macklemore’s performance wasn’t exactly the type of opening act he wanted warming up the crowd in Foxborough. 

Because nothing says “welcome to New England” quite like getting bounced from the building before you even get to touch the microphone. 

According to Kraft, Gillette Stadium has a longstanding commitment to providing a welcoming environment for everybody — and he believes Macklemore’s recent comments and material crossed the line into what he considers antisemitic rhetoric and imagery. 

Translation in Errol Marks English: 

Macklemore went from “Are you ready, New England?” to “Pack your stuff, brother!” REAL QUICK. 

Macklemore had used his performances at MetLife Stadium earlier this month to speak out in support of Palestinians and criticize Israel’s actions in Gaza. 

He also performed his protest song “Hind’s Hall,” which contains strong criticism of Israel and refers to its actions in Gaza as genocide. 

And that’s where this whole thing went from a concert to The Political Super Bowl. 

Because now you’ve got a rapper using the stage to make a political statement, a billionaire team owner saying, “Not in MY stadium,” and Ed Sheeran standing somewhere in the middle probably wondering:

“Guys… I just wanted everybody to sing ‘Perfect.’” 

Macklemore says Ed Sheeran told him that Kraft wouldn’t allow him to perform at Gillette Stadium. 

Macklemore also claims Sheeran told him Kraft had rallied other stadium owners to make the same decision — and that Macklemore was ultimately dropped from the tour. 

Now THAT is a phone call I would’ve loved to hear.

“Hello, Macklemore?” 

“Yeah?” 

“It’s Ed.”

“Oh, what’s up?” 

“Remember the tour?” 

“Yeah.” 

“Well… about that.” 

“Yeah?” 

“Apparently Robert Kraft has entered the group chat.” 

CLICK. 

And Kraft made it clear that he doesn’t believe standing up for Palestinians and standing against antisemitism have to be mutually exclusive. 

He said the suffering of innocent Palestinians is real, but argued that criticism of Israel shouldn’t ignore Hamas and its role in the conflict. 

And that’s the part that makes this story so complicated. 

Because this isn’t just about a rapper getting removed from a concert. 

This is about free speech, political expression, antisemitism, the war in Gaza, the responsibility of artists, and whether a private stadium owner gets to decide what kind of message gets amplified inside his building. 

That’s a LOT for an opening act. 

Most opening acts are supposed to come out, sing three songs, get the crowd warmed up and get off the stage.

Macklemore basically walked onto that stage and said: 

“Ladies and gentlemen, tonight we’re going to discuss geopolitics.”

BRO! 

People came to see Ed Sheeran! 

Somebody in Section 214 probably just wanted to hear “Thinking Out Loud” while eating an $18 hot dog! 

Instead, they’re getting a foreign-policy seminar! 

And let’s be honest — Gillette Stadium has seen some legendary things.

Patriots championships. 

Tom Brady. 

Bill Belichick. 

Super Bowl drama. 

Deflated football jokes. 

And now apparently we’re adding: 

THE MACKLEMORE CONCERT DIPLOMATIC CRISIS. 

I don’t know who had THAT on their 2026 bingo card. 

Kraft, who is Jewish, has spent years fighting antisemitism and founded the Foundation to Combat Antisemitism, later renamed the Blue Square Alliance Against Hate.

He says he would actually welcome the opportunity to sit down with Macklemore and discuss the facts. 

And honestly? 

That’s probably the best part of this entire situation. 

Because if two people can disagree this strongly and still sit down and talk about it, that’s a lot more productive than everybody screaming at each other through social media. 

But let’s be real… 

If Robert Kraft and Macklemore actually sit down for this conversation, somebody needs to film it. 

Because I’m already imagining the meeting. 

Kraft: 

“Macklemore, let me explain why I made this decision.” 

Macklemore: 

“Robert, let me explain why I said what I said.”

Ed Sheeran sitting in the corner: 

“Can I please just get back to the tour?” 

Meanwhile, Messina Touring Group says venues have notified them that they won’t allow a concert with Macklemore on the lineup, which could potentially impact the tour and hundreds of thousands of fans. 

And THAT is the part that could become the biggest headache.

Because when you start talking about stadium shows, you’re not just talking about one performer. You’re talking about ticket holders. 

Security. 

Workers. 

Vendors. 

Promoters. 

Venue employees. 

Hotels. 

Transportation. 

And thousands upon thousands of fans who already paid money and just want to see Ed Sheeran perform. 

So now the question becomes: 

Where does free expression end and a venue owner’s responsibility begin?

That’s the debate. 

Kraft says he has a responsibility to protect the environment inside his stadium. 

Macklemore says his message is about peace, equality and Palestinian freedom — and insists his criticism isn’t directed at Jewish people. 

Both sides are digging in.

And Ed Sheeran? 

Well… 

Ed Sheeran just wanted to play guitar. 

Now he’s somehow caught in the middle of an international political controversy with Robert Kraft and Macklemore. 

You couldn’t write this script if you tried. 

This isn’t an opening act anymore. 

THIS IS THE OPENING ACT OF WORLD WAR III — WITH A GUITAR SOLO.

And knowing Errol Marks… 

I’m watching this one closely. 

Because if Robert Kraft starts banning people from Gillette Stadium based on what they say on stage, we’re going to need a whole new seating chart: 

Section 101: Patriots fans. 

Section 102: Ed Sheeran fans. 

Section 103: People who just want to hear “Shape of You.” 

And Section 104: EVERYBODY WHO HAS A POLITICAL OPINION — PLEASE SEE ROBERT KRAFT AT THE GATE. 

This story is FAR from over.