Comedian Kathy Griffin shared her thoughts on Wednesday regarding Ed Sheeran’s decision to not support Macklemore as an opening act at Gillette Stadium. This decision came after Macklemore made headlines for promoting a “Free Palestine” message during his performances.
In an interview with Queerty, Griffin remarked on how Macklemore was removed from Sheeran’s tour earlier this month following his repeated promotion of “Free Palestine” and his performance of the song “Hind’s Hall,” which criticizes Israel. This move followed Robert Kraft’s ban on Macklemore from performing at the stadium.
While Sheeran asserted that the ultimate decision was not his but rather that of the concert promoters and venue, Griffin contended that he should have stood up for Macklemore.
Griffin expressed her disappointment, stating, “I wish that Ed Sheeran had not taken the advice of the ones who told him to fire Macklemore. Let’s not be listening to Robert Kraft. When Kraft claimed he had contacted other stadium owners to bar Macklemore as well, Sheeran should have said, ‘go f— yourself.’ He had other opportunities.”
She also emphasized that Macklemore’s stance is protected by the First Amendment and expressed her own support for a “Free Palestine.” Griffin elaborated, saying, “I don’t think ‘Free Palestine’ is such a controversial thing to say because that’s a genuine genocide that is happening there, in my opinion. I don’t want Israel to disappear. I cherish the Israeli people, just as I hope the world respects Americans while disapproving of some political figures. I don’t align with [Israeli Prime Minister] Bibi Netanyahu, who I believe has tarnished the Knesset. That said, I respect both Jewish and Palestinian people; they’re all trying to survive.”
In a response to his removal from Sheeran’s tour, Macklemore announced plans to kick off his own “Free Palestine Tour,” with three shows lined up in Dublin, Paris, and London later this month.
Though Macklemore has found allies among progressives for his vocal stances, he has also faced backlash from pro-Israel groups who argue he is endorsing antisemitism. The Israeli-American Council (IAC) issued a statement supporting Kraft’s actions against Macklemore.
The IAC praised Kraft for his “moral leadership” in preventing Macklemore from potentially spreading antisemitic views, stating, “a performer who traffics in antisemitism should not be given a stage.” They expressed gratitude to Kraft for setting a precedent for others to follow.
