Kaepernick drew a direct comparison between Macklemore’s removal and his own allegation that NFL owners conspired to keep him out of the league after he began protesting during the national anthem in 2016."What Robert Kraft and what they’re saying by denying Macklemore the opportunity to go out and perform with Ed Sheeran is that they are willing to collude," Kaepernick told Ben Meiselas during a MeidasTouch interview."They are openly colluding."MACKLEMORE DOUBLES DOWN AFTER GETTING KICKED OFF ED SHEERAN TOUR AFTER PRO-PALESTINE STANCEColin Kaepernick passes during halftime at the Michigan Spring game at Michigan Stadium on Aug.
2, 2022.(Rick Osentoski/USA TODAY Sports)Macklemore had been scheduled to open for Sheeran at Gillette Stadium, which is owned by Kraft’s company, as part of the singer’s "Loop Tour." However, Macklemore said Sheeran informed him that Kraft objected to his appearance and contacted other NFL stadium owners after the rapper used his performances at MetLife Stadium to say "Free Palestine," criticize Immigration and Customs Enforcement and perform his Gaza protest song "Hind’s Hall."Kraft confirmed that Macklemore would not be allowed to perform at Gillette Stadium but disputed the suggestion that the decision was intended to silence advocacy for Palestinians.
He instead cited what he characterized as Macklemore’s history of anti-Semitic rhetoric and imagery.Tour promoter Messina Touring Group subsequently removed Macklemore from the remaining dates, saying multiple venues had indicated they would not host the concerts with him on the bill.Sheeran said the decision belonged to the promoter and maintained that he had attempted to facilitate a conversation between Macklemore and Kraft.Kaepernick argued that the episode demonstrated the willingness of powerful owners to coordinate when they believe their interests are threatened.KAEPERNICK TELLS 'THE VIEW' THAT NFL OWNERS KEPT HIM OUT OVER POLITICS AND POWER, CLAIMS THEY DONATE TO TR...