AOC Says Ed Sheeran Is Part of Bigger Issue in Macklemore Tour Controversy

AOC criticizes Ed Sheeran's silence as she highlights Robert Kraft's role in censoring Macklemore's pro-Palestine message.

Editorial Desk

September 17, 2026 One Min Read

POLICY WIRE — New York, United States — Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has taken a strong stance on the ongoing controversy surrounding Macklemore’s removal from Ed Sheeran’s U.S. tour, calling out the broader implications of the decision.

Ocasio-Cortez criticized Sheeran for not speaking out against the move, suggesting that he is part of a larger system controlled by stadium owners like Robert Kraft, who she claims are suppressing free speech on critical issues such as the conflict in Gaza.

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Kraft, owner of the New England Patriots, stated that Macklemore was excluded from the tour due to his pro-Palestine remarks and a history of antisemitic content, which he claimed violated the venue’s commitment to a welcoming environment. However, Ocasio-Cortez argued that this incident represents a dangerous precedent for censorship and that the focus should be on those in power rather than individual artists.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)

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