Representative Alexandria Ocasio‑Cortez (D‑N.Y.) used a recent fundraising memo to criticize billionaire stadium owner Robert Kraft for allegedly influencing Ed Sheeran’s tour to remove rapper Macklemore after the artist expressed support for Palestinians during a New Jersey show.
Memo highlights alleged power abuse
In the text obtained by Fox News Digital, Ocasio‑Cortez wrote, “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.” She framed the episode as more than a single concert dispute, describing it as an example of how a “small handful of powerful people, like stadium owners, can threaten someone’s livelihood in order to prevent an entire massive issue from being spoken about — in this case, the genocide in Gaza.”
Broader concerns about censorship
Ocasio‑Cortez argued that the incident reflects a larger pattern, stating, “Oligarchs and billionaires could just as easily prevent people from speaking out about AI, workers’ rights, or any issue they don’t like. That is what makes this a dangerous precedent. This moment is a test of how far the very powerful can go in censoring speech.” She called for supporters to oppose what she called an “abuse of power” and to keep the focus on Kraft’s influence over public discourse.
Macklemore’s statements and tour fallout
Macklemore, known for the 2012 hit “Thrift Shop,” said “Free Palestine” during a September 4 performance in New Jersey while opening for Sheeran. He later added remarks supporting Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, Cuba, the Congo, Sudan, and Iran. Following the comments, Kraft, who owns the New England Patriots and Gillette Stadium, reportedly threatened to cancel Sheeran’s show at his venue. Subsequent shows saw Macklemore repeat the “Free Palestine” chant, clarifying that his criticism was directed at the Israeli government, not the Jewish faith.
Kraft’s response and political ties
In an interview with NBC News, Kraft said his boycott stemmed from concerns about public discourse that he viewed as harmful to the Jewish people. He expressed willingness to discuss the facts with Macklemore, emphasizing a shared goal of “peace for all people, an end to suffering, and an end to all hate.” Kraft also pledged $2 million toward humanitarian aid for Palestinians.
Beyond the concert controversy, Kraft’s connections to President Trump were noted. Kraft donated to Trump’s first inauguration and was photographed beside the President at a recent Kennedy Center screening of former First Lady Melania Trump’s film. His wife, Dana Blumberg, serves on the Kennedy Center Board of Trustees.
Fundraising appeal
The memo concluded with Ocasio‑Cortez urging donors to contribute, asking, “Will you chip in $5 or any amount you can afford to power this movement for a better future?” The appeal positioned the concert dispute within a broader campaign to protect free speech and limit the influence of wealthy individuals on public conversation.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
