Rosie O'Donnell Criticizes Ed Sheeran, Robert Kraft Over Macklemore Tour Removal

Rosie O'Donnell has sharply criticized singer Ed Sheeran and New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, accusing Sheeran of making a "very bad mistake" by siding with the "billionaire elite" and "supporting genocide" after rapper Macklemore was removed from Sheeran's U.S. tour.

Macklemore was dropped from Sheeran's "Loop Tour" after repeatedly expressing pro-Palestinian sentiments, including performing a song at MetLife Stadium titled "Hind's Hall." According to the rapper, Kraft informed Sheeran that Macklemore would not be permitted to perform at Gillette Stadium and subsequently rallied other venue owners against his continued participation. Messina Touring Group, the tour promoter, stated that venues had communicated they would not allow concerts to proceed with Macklemore on the lineup.

O'Donnell made her remarks during an appearance on Ireland's "The Late Late Show," responding to host Patrick Kielty's questions about the controversy. "I think Ed Sheeran made a very bad mistake and that he will come to understand the ramifications of siding with a billionaire elite, in supporting genocide rather than the people who are saying, 'This is wrong. We will not stand for it. We are human beings and each human life matters and that's what's the most important thing,'" O'Donnell said.

She further targeted Kraft, calling him part of the "billionaire elite" who have "performed a coup on the American government."

Christian Toto, host of "Hollywood in Toto," commented that celebrities often face industry pressure to adopt specific stances on the Israel-Palestinian conflict. He likened the dynamic to the entertainment industry's response to the Black Lives Matter movement, suggesting that a "Free Palestine" message has become an "acceptable answer" for celebrities seeking approval within their circles.

Kraft defended his position by referencing what he described as Macklemore's "broader history of antisemitic rhetoric and imagery," while emphasizing that his decision was not intended to dismiss Palestinian suffering. Kraft stated that supporting the Palestinian people and opposing Hamas and antisemitism are compatible positions. Sheeran, in turn, has publicly rejected any implication that he supports Palestinian suffering, condemning the Hamas attack of October 7 while also criticizing the scale of civilian suffering in Gaza.

Sheeran pledged $2 million toward humanitarian relief and invited Kraft to match the contribution, which Kraft agreed to. Macklemore separately pledged $1 million earned from the tour to Palestinian aid organizations.