Comedian Kathy Griffin weighed in on the recent controversy surrounding rapper Macklemore’s removal from Ed Sheeran’s tour. Griffin told Queerty that Sheeran should have responded to Gillette Stadium owner Robert Kraft with a blunt rebuke after Kraft prohibited Macklemore from performing as the opening act.
Background of the ban
Macklemore was scheduled to open for Sheeran on several dates earlier this month. During his set, he repeatedly called for a “Free Palestine” and performed a song titled “Hind’s Hall,” which criticizes Israel. After the performance, Kraft reportedly instructed other stadium owners not to allow Macklemore on their stages, effectively ending his participation in the tour.
Sheeran has said the decision to drop Macklemore came from the concert promoter and venue operators rather than from him personally. Griffin, however, argued that Sheeran had the opportunity to defend Macklemore’s right to speak and should have done so.
Griffin’s criticism of Kraft and Sheeran
“I wish Ed Sheeran had not taken the advice of the ones who told him to fire Macklemore,” Griffin said. “When Robert Kraft says he’s called all the other stadium owners and they’re not going to let you do the show with Macklemore either, Ed Sheeran should’ve said go f— yourself, I can go to Brazil and perform for 250,000 people. He had more options.”
Griffin also emphasized that Macklemore’s remarks are protected under the First Amendment. She added that she personally supports a “Free Palestine” stance, describing the situation in the region as a genocide in her view, while clarifying she holds no animus toward either Jewish or Palestinian people.
Reactions from pro‑Israel groups
The Israeli‑American Council (IAC) issued a statement praising Kraft’s actions. “The Israeli‑American Council applauds Robert Kraft and his fellow stadium owners for their moral leadership in expelling rapper Macklemore from the concert stage rather than allow him to promote antisemitism,” the IAC said. The organization added that a performer who “traffics in antisemitism should not be given a stage” and thanked Kraft for setting an example.
Macklemore’s next steps
Undeterred, Macklemore announced he will embark on a solo “Free Palestine Tour” with three upcoming shows scheduled in Dublin (Oct. 26), Paris (Oct. 29) and London (Oct. 30). While he has received backing from progressive figures, he also faces criticism from pro‑Israel organizations that accuse him of spreading antisemitic rhetoric.
Where the debate stands
The incident highlights a broader cultural clash over free speech, artistic expression, and the role of private venue owners in moderating political content. Griffin’s call for Sheeran to confront Kraft underscores the tension between protecting First Amendment rights and private property owners’ discretion to control the content presented on their stages.
Fox News Digital reached out to representatives for Ed Sheeran and Robert Kraft for comment, but no response was received at the time of publication.
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