Macklemore says he was dropped from Ed Sheeran tour after Patriots owner Robert Kraft organized boycott

Macklemore has been dropped from Ed Sheeran’s tour after he says New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft organized a boycott among stadium owners over the rapper’s remarks in support of Palestinians.

The “Thrift Shop” rapper posted a lengthy statement to his Instagram on Monday alleging that Sheeran was called by Kraft to inform the singer Macklemore was not welcome at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. Sheeran’s tour was scheduled to play at the venue, which is owned by Kraft Entertainment + Sports Group.

“Ed also told me that Kraft had rallied some of the other stadium owners and collectively they gave him an ultimatum: if Macklemore stays on the tour, you will not be allowed to play in our venues,” Macklemore wrote.

The decision was reached after comments made by Macklemore at the tour’s New Jersey shows and “a broader history of rhetoric and imagery that we believe has been deeply offensive and hurtful to the Jewish community,” Kraft said in a statement provided to NBC News on Monday.

Gillette Stadium seeks to create a “welcoming environment for all guests,” he added.

“I would welcome the opportunity to sit down with Macklemore and discuss the facts, because ultimately our goal…

Original source: https://www.nbcnews.com/business