Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is putting Ed Sheeran on mute.
The New York Democrat told TMZ Tuesday that she is boycotting Sheeran’s music over the removal of rapper Macklemore from Sheeran’s ongoing Loop Tour, accusing Sheeran of being complicit in efforts by billionaire Robert Kraft and other stadium owners to silence Macklemore.
“I think that what we’ve seen is not just about one music artist or two music artists,” Ocasio-Cortez said, arguing that the controversy raises broader questions about the power wealthy stadium owners have over artists and public speech.
The controversy erupted after Macklemore made pro-Palestinian remarks during a September concert at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium, including saying “Free Palestine” and performing his protest song “Hind’s Hall.”
Macklemore subsequently said he was removed from the tour after Kraft, who owns the New England Patriots and Gillette Stadium, told Sheeran he would not be allowed to perform at Gillette if Macklemore remained on the bill. Macklemore also alleged that Kraft rallied other stadium owners to take the same position.
Kraft has confirmed that he played a role in the decision. In a statement, he cited Macklemore’s recent comments and what Kraft described as a broader history of antisemitic rhetoric and imagery that he said had been offensive and hurtful to the Jewish community. Kraft also said the decision was not intended to deny Palestinians’ suffering or their right to advocate on their behalf.
The tour promoter, Messina Touring Group, separately said multiple venues had informed the promoter they would not allow a concert to take place with Macklemore on the lineup.
Sheeran has rejected the idea that he personally ordered Macklemore's removal.
“Macklemore coming off tour was the promoter’s decision, it was not mine,” Sheeran said in a statement, adding that he had spoken with venues in an effort to find a solution. He also wrote, “I am not complicit.”
Ocasio-Cortez acknowledged that Sheeran may have been caught in the middle, saying she had “a huge amount of empathy” for his situation. But she argued that he should speak out.
“If they’re saying that to him, then they can say it to anybody,” Ocasio-Cortez said, according to TMZ.
The controversy has already produced major fallout for Sheeran’s tour. Finneas, Lukas Graham, Aaron Rowe and Irish folk group Beoga have all withdrawn from upcoming dates, citing concerns about artists being silenced or the influence of wealthy figures over performers.
For now, Sheeran’s tour is scheduled to resume Saturday in Philadelphia. And AOC says she won't be listening.
