Portnoy Backs Kraft, Slams Macklemore Over 'Anti-Semitic' Past Amid Tour Controversy

Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy has publicly supported New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft in the dispute with rapper Macklemore, which led to the artist's removal from Ed Sheeran's world tour. Portnoy criticized Macklemore's actions and history, arguing that Kraft's decision was not censorship but a defense against hate speech.

Macklemore was dropped from the remainder of Sheeran's tour after delivering a "Free Palestine" speech during his opening sets at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on September 4 and 5. The rapper subsequently claimed on Instagram that Kraft had lobbied other stadium owners to remove him if he remained on the tour.

Portnoy, who identifies as Jewish and a Patriots fan, addressed the situation in a social media video. He countered the narrative that Macklemore's removal was an infringement on free speech, stating that Kraft's decision was a response to Macklemore's past actions.

"Bob Kraft I'm sure did what I did when I saw this. He researched Macklemore and it didn't take long to learn Macklemore has a pretty shady past," Portnoy said. He referenced a past incident where Macklemore wore an "anti-Semitic" costume during a 2014 performance, which he had to apologize for, and suggested this indicated a deeper issue beyond his current political stance.

Portnoy also mentioned Macklemore's past comments perceived as "9/11 truther" remarks and his quick condemnation of Israel's actions in Gaza following the Hamas attacks on October 7. Portnoy contrasted this with Kraft's extensive efforts to combat anti-Semitism.

"Bob Kraft has spent the last 10 years of his life aggressively fighting anti-Semitism and hate," Portnoy stated, highlighting Kraft's work and investment in anti-hate initiatives at Gillette Stadium. "He's spent millions fighting hatred. That's who Bob Kraft is and he owns Gillette Stadium."

Portnoy argued that Macklemore was disrespecting Kraft's "house" by delivering political speeches at a venue owned by him. He suggested that fans attending an Ed Sheeran concert would not expect to hear a political rant from an opening act, especially one that could be perceived as offensive to Jewish attendees.

Kraft, in a statement, confirmed that Gillette Stadium is committed to providing a welcoming environment and does not offer a platform for hate speech. He cited Macklemore's recent actions, material shared from the stage, and what Kraft described as a "broader history of antisemitic rhetoric and imagery" as reasons for his removal from the September 25th and 26th concerts at Gillette Stadium.

"This decision is not about diminishing the suffering of innocent Palestinians or denying anyone the right to advocate on their behalf," Kraft stated. "Their pain and loss are real. But that advocacy should not come at the expense of the Jewish community or obscure the responsibility of Hamas..."

Kraft also noted his own history of supporting Palestinian initiatives and his ongoing fight against all forms of hate. He expressed a willingness to sit down with Macklemore to discuss the issues, emphasizing a shared goal of peace and an end to suffering and hate.