Comedian Kathy Griffin told Queerty on Wednesday that Ed Sheeran should have rejected Robert Kraft's demands after the billionaire barred Macklemore from opening for him at Gillette Stadium. Griffin argued that the singer could and should have defended his opening act rather than accepting the removal from the tour earlier this month. The decision followed Macklemore's repeated calls for "Free Palestine" and his performance of the song "Hind's Hall." Although Sheeran stated that the final call came from concert promoters and venues, Griffin maintained that he had other options.
Griffin criticized Sheeran for following the advice of those who pushed for Macklemore's dismissal. She suggested that when Kraft claimed other stadium owners would also refuse the show, Sheeran should have told him to go away and performed for 250,000 people in Brazil instead. She viewed Macklemore's comments as protected speech under the First Amendment and expressed her own support for a "Free Palestine," describing the situation in the region as a genuine genocide.
While Griffin stated she does not want Israel eradicated and loves the Israeli people, she compared her dislike of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to her opposition to President Donald Trump, his cabinet, and the current Supreme Court. She asserted that she has no issue with the Jewish or Palestinian people, noting that both groups are trying to survive, and stated her personal belief that Palestine should be its own country.
In response to his removal, Macklemore announced on Thursday that he would launch his own "Free Palestine Tour." The itinerary currently includes three scheduled shows: Dublin on Oct. 26, Paris on Oct. 29, and London on Oct. 30. While Macklemore has received support from progressive figures, he has also faced criticism from pro-Israel organizations that accuse him of supporting antisemitism.
The Israeli-American Council (IAC) released a statement to Fox News Digital supporting Kraft's actions. The organization applauded Kraft and fellow stadium owners for what it described as moral leadership in expelling the rapper from the concert stage. The IAC stated that a performer who traffics in antisemitism should not be given a stage, adding that Macklemore will no longer be allowed to subject audiences to his hateful rants. The council saluted Kraft for setting an example for all to follow.
Fox News Digital reached out to representatives for both Sheeran and Kraft for comment.