AOC backs Macklemore as Robert Kraft faces criticism over tour removal

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has criticised the circumstances surrounding Macklemore’s removal from Ed Sheeran’s US tour, arguing that the controversy raises broader questions about the influence of wealthy stadium owners over free speech.

In a clip shared by Fox News, Ocasio-Cortez said the issue was about more than Macklemore being removed from the lineup.

“It’s not just what has happened with the act and not just in removing Macklemore from the lineup,” she said, before pointing to Robert Kraft’s reported role in the controversy.

Ocasio-Cortez argued that Kraft’s actions showed how a small number of stadium owners and wealthy individuals could influence which views are heard publicly. Referring to the war in Gaza, she said the situation demonstrated how “a handful of stadium owners and the elite can prevent an entire massive issue” from being discussed.

In another clip posted by TMZ, Ocasio-Cortez was asked about Sheeran’s responsibility for Macklemore’s ousting. She acknowledged that everyone involved has a role to play but said the focus should remain on Kraft and “the actual people who are kind of twisting things here.”

“We need to be very clear about how dangerous a precedent this is,” she added.

Macklemore was removed from the remaining US dates of Sheeran’s Loop Tour after his September 4 performance at MetLife Stadium, where he voiced support for Palestine and performed his protest song Hind’s Hall.

Kraft, the New England Patriots owner and founder of the Foundation to Combat Antisemitism, has confirmed that he opposed Macklemore performing at Gillette Stadium. Macklemore has alleged that Kraft pressured Sheeran and other stadium owners over his participation, while Sheeran has said the decision to remove the rapper was not his.

Ocasio-Cortez’s comments come as the dispute continues to draw attention to the relationship between political speech, performers and the private companies and venue owners who control major concert spaces.