Macklemore claimed on social media that Kraft told Ed Sheeran he would not be allowed to perform at Gillette Stadium if Macklemore remained on the tour. He also asserted that Kraft urged other stadium owners to take a similar stand, effectively giving an ultimatum: if Macklemore stays on the tour, you will not be permitted to perform in our venues.
Kaepernick, who became a central figure in the 2016 national anthem protests, is aware of the ongoing dispute. He has long argued that NFL owners may act to protect their interests, power, and financial considerations. On the MeidasTouch Podcast, Kaepernick described the Macklemore situation as an example of what he views as collusion by league owners. He stated that “they are openly colluding” and noted that, during his own grievance against the NFL, there were claims that owners would not take such actions, a sentiment he says has been proven wrong.
Kaepernick emphasized that owners’ priorities often center on winning within the league, protecting their power and money, and safeguarding their ability to respond to actions they disagree with. He argued that this dynamic demonstrates why action may be needed to address perceived collusion and to stand up for individuals challenging the status quo.
Macklemore was slated to open Sheeran’s U.S. Loop Tour, including eight of the tour’s final ten U.S. shows. The tour experienced disruption after Macklemore made pro-Palestinian remarks during a September 4 performance at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, leading to his removal from the remaining U.S. dates. Tour promoter Messina Touring Group said venues had informed them that Macklemore would not be allowed to perform, which could have resulted in tour cancellations affecting many fans.
Around the same time, Macklemore asserted that Kraft had rallied other stadium owners to bar him from performing. Kraft acknowledged opposition to Macklemore performing at Gillette Stadium, but stated that the decision was not intended to diminish concern for innocent Palestinians or the right to advocate on their behalf. Kraft added that such advocacy should not come at the expense of the Jewish community or obscure the actions of Hamas, which he described as having caused immense suffering for both Palestinians and Israelis.
Kaepernick drew a parallel between the current dispute and his own experiences nearly a decade earlier, suggesting that the involvement of powerful owners in shaping outcomes can be a warning sign for athletes and performers who challenge the status quo. He urged collective action to protect interests in the face of perceived coercion or retaliation by ownership groups.
Kaepernick’s own grievance against the NFL, initially filed in 2017 over collusion claims stemming from his 2016 protest, progressed to an arbitration stage before being resolved in 2019 through a confidential agreement between his representatives and the league. The resolution was disclosed in a joint statement at the time, noting ongoing discussions and the confidential settlement terms.
The broader point raised by Kaepernick is that entrenched power structures may seek to protect their interests, sometimes at the expense of individuals seeking to exercise their rights or express political viewpoints. He contends that awareness and collective organization are essential to addressing such dynamics.
Note: This summary consolidates statements and reported events related to Macklemore, Ed Sheeran’s tour, Kraft’s position, and Kaepernick’s remarks without referencing external original sources.
