Foxborough, MA – A protest is scheduled for Saturday before Ed Sheeran’s concert at Gillette Stadium. The demonstration is being organized by Massachusetts Peace Action, which says it is standing in solidarity with rapper Macklemore after he was removed from the tour for his comments about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Background on the controversy
During a September 5 performance in New Jersey, Macklemore shouted “Free Palestine,” a statement that prompted New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft to voice strong opposition. Kraft joined other stadium owners in urging the removal of Macklemore from the tour, a move that Sheeran’s management later endorsed.
Following the decision, several opening acts and members of Sheeran’s house band quit the tour, also citing support for Macklemore. Sheeran has clarified that the choice to drop Macklemore was made by the promoter, not by him personally.
Protest details
Massachusetts Peace Action plans to gather outside the stadium before the concert begins on Saturday. The group’s statement emphasizes that the protest is not directed at Sheeran but at the broader effort to silence a voice that raised concerns about the situation in Gaza.
Organizers expect a peaceful demonstration, urging attendees to respect the safety of concertgoers while making their point clear. They also intend to highlight the influence of wealthy stadium owners in shaping cultural events.
Reactions from key figures
Robert Kraft, whose Kraft Group owns Gillette Stadium, has not issued a new comment since the initial backlash. Macklemore maintains that his removal was driven by Kraft’s pressure and calls the action an example of money influencing artistic expression.
Ed Sheeran, who is slated to perform both Saturday and Sunday, reiterated that the decision to cut Macklemore was a promoter’s call. He expressed disappointment that the controversy has affected his tour but said he looks forward to delivering a great show for fans.
What this means for fans
Ticket holders are being asked to arrive early to avoid any disruption and to follow stadium security guidelines. The protest is expected to be small and orderly, with organizers promising to keep the demonstration non‑violent.
As the concert proceeds, the situation underscores ongoing tensions between artists, venue owners, and advocacy groups over free expression and the role of private entities in cultural events.
Original reporting: NBC10 Boston — read the source article.
