Zach Bryan Sparks Controversy in Boston with ‘Free Palestine’ Shirt Amid Ed Sheeran Tour Fallout

Zach Bryan wears 'Free Palestine' shirt at Gillette Stadium concert, reigniting debate over free speech and political expression in music.

Editorial Desk

October 3, 2026 One Min Read

POLICY WIRE — Foxborough, Massachusetts — Country singer Zach Bryan made headlines during his performance at Gillette Stadium on Friday night after appearing in a black cutoff T-shirt bearing the words “Free Palestine” in white letters.

The incident comes weeks after stadium owner Robert Kraft faced backlash for allegedly pressuring Ed Sheeran to remove rapper Macklemore from his tour following pro-Palestinian remarks. Kraft, who owns the New England Patriots, has long been an outspoken advocate for Israel.

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Last month, Macklemore was removed from Sheeran’s tour at Kraft’s request after expressing support for Palestinians during show performances in New Jersey. The controversy led to several of Sheeran’s other opening acts withdrawing in protest. Sheeran later apologized for his handling of the situation, calling it a complex issue involving freedom of speech and global politics.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)

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