Hannity: Macklemore’s Rhetoric Has Been Shameful for Years

On his show, Sean Hannity delved into the recent decision to pull rapper Macklemore from Ed Sheeran’s U.S. tour, which stemmed from Macklemore’s pro-Palestinian statements. Hannity examined the criticisms surrounding this action and opened up a discussion about free speech, public responsibility, and the political roles celebrities play.

Colin Kaepernick, the former NFL quarterback, accused Robert Kraft, the owner of the New England Patriots, along with other NFL owners, of “openly colluding” to force Macklemore off the tour following his comments about Palestine. Kaepernick noted similarities between this situation and his own experiences of being ousted from the NFL after his national anthem protests that began in 2016.

During an interview with Ben Meiselas, Kaepernick stated, “What Robert Kraft and what they’re saying by denying Macklemore the opportunity to go out and perform with Ed Sheeran is that they are willing to collude. They are openly colluding.”

Macklemore was initially set to open for Sheeran during his “Loop Tour” at Gillette Stadium, which is owned by Kraft’s company. However, after Macklemore made statements at his MetLife Stadium concerts supporting Palestine, critiquing ICE, and performing his song “Hind’s Hall,” he was informed that Kraft was against his participation and had contacted other NFL stadium owners.

Kraft confirmed that Macklemore would not perform at Gillette but contested claims that it was to stifle advocacy for Palestinians. Instead, Kraft cited Macklemore’s previous anti-Semitic comments as his rationale.

The tour promoter then dropped Macklemore from the remaining shows, with multiple venues indicating they would not host the concerts if he remained on the lineup. Sheeran claimed the promoter made the final call, and he had tried to mediate between Kraft and Macklemore.

Kaepernick commented that the incident highlighted how influential owners coordinate their actions when they feel their interests are at stake.

Kaepernick also reflected on the NFL’s history regarding player-led protests. He mentioned a meeting in 2017 with Buffalo Bills owner Terry Pegula, who purportedly suggested the league needed a prominent Black figure to navigate the controversies around the protests. He accused Jay-Z of taking on that role through a partnership with the league.

Kaepernick characterized Jay-Z as the “Black face” that NFL owners wanted to “subvert the protests,” claiming that this partnership shifted the focus away from issues like police violence and the struggles of Black communities.

In light of the controversy, Macklemore has promised to donate the $1 million he would have earned from Sheeran’s tour to six organizations supporting Palestinian causes and invited Kraft to match his donation. Kraft later indicated that Sheeran had privately asked him to contribute $2 million toward humanitarian efforts.

In the wake of this situation, all the remaining supporting acts on Sheeran’s tour also withdrew, expressing their discomfort with the situation.

Kaepernick reiterated that the parallels he drawn between Macklemore’s situation and his departure from the NFL are clearer than ever, emphasizing how powerful figures aim to maintain control over their interests and finances.