Comedian Kathy Griffin recently commented on the controversy surrounding rapper Macklemore's removal from Ed Sheeran's tour, stating that Sheeran should have resisted pressure from Gillette Stadium owner Robert Kraft. Griffin suggested Sheeran ought to have told Kraft to "go f--- yourself" after Macklemore was barred from performing due to his pro-Palestine activism.
Controversy Over Macklemore's Advocacy
In a discussion with Queerty, Griffin addressed the situation where Macklemore was removed from Sheeran's tour engagements earlier this month. The decision followed Macklemore's repeated calls for a "Free Palestine" during his performances and his rendition of the anti-Israel track "Hind's Hall." This action was initiated after Kraft prevented Macklemore from appearing at Gillette Stadium.
While Sheeran has indicated that the decision to remove Macklemore ultimately came from concert promoters and venues, rather than himself directly, Griffin argued that Sheeran possessed the influence and obligation to support Macklemore at that moment.
"I wish that Ed Sheeran had not taken the advice of the ones who told him to fire Macklemore," Griffin stated. "Let’s not be listening to f------ Robert Kraft. When Robert Kraft says I’ve called all the other stadium owners and they’re not gonna 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 further contended that Macklemore's expressions were safeguarded by the First Amendment. She also openly affirmed her personal support for a "Free Palestine."
"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 be eradicated. I love the Israeli people as I hope the rest of the world likes the American people but hates [President Donald] Trump and his cabinet and our current SCOTUS. So I can't stand [Israeli Prime Minister] Bibi Netanyahu. I think he's ruined the Knesset which is their Congress. But I certainly don't have a beef with the Jewish people or the Palestinian people. They're both trying to survive. I personally think that Palestine should be its own country," Griffin explained.
Macklemore's Response and Counter-Criticism
In response to his removal from Ed Sheeran's tour, Macklemore announced on Thursday his plans to launch his own "Free Palestine Tour." Currently, three performances are scheduled: in Dublin on October 26, in Paris on October 29, and in London on October 30.
While Macklemore has garnered backing from certain progressive figures for his political activism, the artist has also faced considerable criticism from organizations that support Israel, who have accused him of promoting antisemitism.
The Israeli-American Council (IAC) issued a statement applauding the actions taken. "The Israeli-American Council (IAC) 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 statement read.
The IAC statement continued, emphasizing a principle they believe should be obvious: "Robert Kraft's moral leadership establishes what should be an obvious principle: a performer who traffics in antisemitism should not be given a stage. As a result, Macklemore will no longer be allowed to subject audiences to his hateful rants. The IAC salutes and thanks Mr. Kraft for setting an example for all to follow."
