Ed Sheeran's Gillette Stadium Concerts Canceled Due to Severe Weather

Ed Sheeran's scheduled concerts at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, on September 25 and 26 have been canceled. The decision was made by the tour promoter, Messina Touring Group, due to severe weather warnings in place across Boston and New England throughout the weekend. The promoter cited the safety of fans and staff as the top priority.

This cancellation occurs against the backdrop of recent controversy involving Macklemore, one of Sheeran's former tour openers. Macklemore had used his performance time at MetLife Stadium to express support for Palestinians, a move that led to his eventual removal from the tour. According to Macklemore, Robert Kraft, owner of Gillette Stadium, was among stadium owners who collectively issued an ultimatum to Sheeran, stating that Macklemore's presence would prevent Sheeran from performing at their venues.

In response, Kraft issued a statement emphasizing Gillette Stadium's commitment to a welcoming environment and asserting that the venue would not provide a platform for hate speech. He cited Macklemore's stage material and past rhetoric as reasons for deeming his participation unacceptable. Kraft clarified that the decision was not intended to diminish the suffering of Palestinians or their right to advocacy, but rather to ensure that advocacy does not come at the expense of the Jewish community and to hold Hamas accountable.

Macklemore subsequently announced a series of European shows called the "Free Palestine Tour."

Despite the official reason for the Gillette Stadium cancellations being severe weather, some social media users speculated about other factors, referencing the controversy surrounding Kraft and Macklemore. Refunds for the canceled concerts are available at the point of purchase. It remains unclear if the shows will be rescheduled.