Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Addresses Controversy Surrounding Macklemore's Removal from Ed Sheeran Tour

<p>Rapper Macklemore is facing backlash for his pro-Palestinian activism during his opening set for Ed Sheeran's U.S. tour earlier this month. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., referenced the ongoing controversy in a fundraising memo sent to supporters late last week, criticizing billionaire Robert Kraft for reportedly influencing Sheeran to remove Macklemore from the concert tour.</p><p>In the memo, Ocasio-Cortez stated, "Billionaire stadium owner, Robert Kraft, did not like Macklemore, a Grammy-winning rapper, saying 'Free Palestine' on stage — so he made calls and the artist got pulled off of Ed Sheeran’s tour." She emphasized that this situation reflects a broader issue of how powerful individuals can threaten someone's livelihood to suppress significant discussions, specifically regarding the situation in Gaza.</p><p>Ocasio-Cortez continued, "Oligarchs and billionaires could just as easily prevent people from speaking out about AI, workers’ rights, or any issue they don’t like. That is what makes this a dangerous precedent. This moment is a test of how far the very powerful can go in censoring speech." She called for awareness of what she described as an abuse of power and urged the public to focus on Kraft's influence in controlling discourse in America.</p><p>The memo concluded with Ocasio-Cortez pledging to protect free speech and oppose billionaires who seek to silence dissent or peaceful protest, and included a request for financial support for her campaign.</p><p>Macklemore, known for his song "Thrift Shop," expressed his support for Palestine during a September 4 show in New Jersey while opening for Sheeran's tour. He performed a song inspired by anti-Israel protests at Columbia University and stated, "The people all the way in Gaza to the occupied West Bank know that we have not forgotten about them. I say: Free Palestine. I say: Free Lebanon. Free Cuba to the Congo to Sudan to Iran."</p><p>Kraft, who owns the New England Patriots and Gillette Stadium, reportedly threatened to cancel Sheeran's show if Macklemore performed. Despite this, Macklemore reiterated his support for Palestine during the following night's performance, clarifying that his comments were directed at the Israeli government, not Judaism.</p><p>The backlash from pro-Israel groups and fellow artists ultimately led to Macklemore's removal from Sheeran's tour. Kraft later stated that his actions were motivated by a concern for public discourse that he believed was harmful to the Jewish community. He expressed a willingness to meet with Macklemore to discuss their differing views, emphasizing a shared goal of peace for all people.</p><p>In response to the controversy, Kraft pledged $2 million to assist Palestinians. He has previously been associated with former President Trump, having donated to his inauguration and attended events with him.</p><p>Fox News Digital reached out to the New England Patriots' public affairs team for comment from Kraft.</p>