Kraft, owner of Gillette Stadium, stated that Macklemore, who was scheduled to open for Ed Sheeran's U.S. tour at the stadium in late September, would not be allowed to perform due to "broader antisemitic rhetoric and imagery" in his recent performances. Ed Sheeran denied involvement in Macklemore's removal on Tuesday, stating it was a decision made by the venue and promoter. Macklemore delivered a speech about Palestine during a performance at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey earlier this month, which drew opposition from the Israeli-American Council and calls for his removal from the tour.