Kraft’s 40-Minute Call Leads to Macklemore’s Tour Exit

Kraft's call to Sheeran sparks Macklemore's tour removal, protests planned in Philly.

September 17, 2026 One Min Read

POLICY WIRE — Philadelphia, United States — New details have surfaced about a 40-minute phone call between New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft and singer Ed Sheeran, which led to rapper Macklemore being removed from Sheeran’s U.S. Loop tour.

The conversation occurred after Macklemore, known for hits like “Thrift Shop” and Same Love, delivered a political speech at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, supporting the Palestinian cause and leading a “free Palestine” chant. Kraft, who has been friends with Sheeran since their 2022 wedding, reportedly urged the singer to exclude Macklemore from future stadium performances.

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Kraft informed Sheeran that NFL owners, including David Tepper, Arthur Blank, and Jeffrey Lurie, had agreed to block Macklemore from performing at their venues. The billionaire expressed concerns over what he called hate speech, citing past accusations of antisemitism against the rapper. Following the call, Macklemore announced his departure from the tour, stating a fundamental disagreement with Sheeran’s apolitical stance.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)

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